Calcium Hypochlorite

Calcium Hypochlorite

Name: calcium hypochlorite
Other names: hypochlorous acid, calcium salt, bleaching powder
CAS number: 7778-54-3
Other names: Calciumhypochloritetech;Bleaching powder; hypochlorous acid; calcium dihypochlorite
Molecular formula: Ca(ClO)2
Molar mass: 142.98 g/mol
Melting point: 100 °C
Boiling point: 175 °C,decomposes
Solubility in water: 21g/100mL, reacts

Bleaching powderis a white or gray powder that decomposes on contact with water and has thecharacteristic odor of gaseous chlorine. When dry, it is a mixture of calcium hypochlorite and the basic chloride CaCl2,H2O with some slaked lime, Ca(OH)2.It is used for wood pulp, textiles, oils, and soaps, and in laundering as a decolorizer and disinfectant.

Calcium hypochlorite is the main ingredient,which is considered to be relatively stable. It is an effective publichealth biocide registered for numerous sanitization applications by the U.S.EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and supported under the European Biocidal Products Directive.

Calcium hypochlorite is a chlorine source, when mixed with water forms hypochlorous acid and calciumhydroxide. The hypochlorous form is used for public health treatments such as the sanitization of drinkingwater, sewage, waste water, swimming pools and spas, industrial fruit andvegetable washing; and surface sanitization of meat and poultry plants.

Calcium hypochlorite is aneffective sanitizer used for a variety of purposes. It is a proven, powerfulgermicide capable of controlling pathogenic and nuisance microorganisms likebacteria, fungi and algae. This feature makes it used in many fields. Calcium hypochlorite is also used at higher concentrations to deodorize andremove organic contaminants. Once dissolved in pool water, calcium hypochloritewill cause no harm to the bathers in the water and actually protects bathersfrom harmful waterborne pathogens. The potential for absorption of calciumhypochlorite by the body is very low. However, if it is absorbed, it isexcreted rapidly with no potential for bioaccumulation.

During production, the whole process is tightly controlled and confined throughstrong industrial hygiene protocols and processes, engineering of themanufacturing equipment, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Calcium hypochlorite must be stored under seal in a cool, dry, well ventilatedplace. It is a strong oxidizing agent, and it must be kept away from heat,flame, and burning material.