Bleaching powder and sodium hydroxide are two chemical compounds made from common salt (Sodium Chloride). The chemical formula for bleaching powder is calcium hypochlorite. Calcium hypochlorite is represented chemically by the formula Ca(OCl)2. It is an inorganic compound that is present in commercial products. Bleaching powder is something that every household has when it comes to treating water and making it germ-free. It’s even used as an oxidising agent in the chemical industry. In most cases, sodium hydroxide is referred to as caustic soda. Apart from that, it’s an inorganic compound that’s used to make soaps, rayon, and other products. The chemical formula for sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is: It’s extremely corrosive, and it can degrade proteins even at room temperature. It can cause severe burns if it comes into direct contact with your skin.
Bleaching Powder
Bleaching Powder is a pale yellowish powder with an overpowering chlorine odour. It is also known as Calcium Hypochlorite. Despite the fact that bleaching powder is soluble in water, the presence of impurities prevents us from seeing a completely clear solution. The chemical formula for bleaching powder is CaO. (Cl) When chlorine gas (derived from the Chlor-alkali method) reacts with dry slaked lime (Ca), it forms bleaching powder (OH) The second step is to make bleaching powder.
Chlorine gas is produced during the electrolysis of brine, and this gas is used to make white bleaching powder. A slaked lime solution is made by mixing it with dry slaked lime (Ca(OH)2).
Two important considerations should be kept in mind while preparing the compound:
It is recommended that you dilute chlorine before using it.
In the laboratory, temperatures should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Bleaching Powder has a variety of uses.
Bleaching Powder can be used in a variety of ways. Its main use is in the treatment of water to ensure that it is safe to drink. To get rid of harmful microorganisms, this method is used. Some examples of additional applications are as follows:
Cotton and linen, for example, are bleached with it in the textile industry.
It is applied to the fabric to bleach washed clothing.
In the chemical industry, it is used as an oxidising agent.
Bleaching Powder is used to create chloroform.
Wool will not shrink if bleaching powder is used on it.
Characteristics of Bleaching Powder
Bleaching powder, a common chemical, has properties that are similar to those of other elements, atoms, and molecules.
Bleaching powder produces chlorine when it comes into contact with dilute acid.
It dissolves quickly in cold water. The insoluble residue that is left behind results in the formation of limes.
If calcium hypochlorite is mixed with an excessively dilute solution, it has the potential to release chlorine.
Bleaching Powder Has Harmful Consequences
Almost everything in life has advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of how beneficial bleaching powder is, it does have some negative as well as positive side effects.
The fumes released during the manufacturing process cause irritation and health problems.
When this substance comes into contact with the skin, it corrodes it.
If the solution comes into contact with the eyes, it may cause lumps to form.
When using bleaching powder, it is possible to burn tissue both internally and externally.
Sodium Hydroxide is a sodium-containing chemical compound.
Sodium Hydroxide, also known as Caustic Soda, is a white powder available in granules, flakes, and pellets. It has a wide range of applications. The chemical formula for N-Hydroxypropane (also known as caustic soda) is NaOH. Ether, on the other hand, is not easily broken down. It is a strong alkaline compound made up of sodium cations and hydroxide anions in its most basic form. Oven cleaners and commercial drain cleaners both contain it.
Sodium Hydroxide can be produced in a number of ways.
The chlor-alkali process is employed in the production of sodium hydroxide. In this case, the sodium chloride solution is passed through the process with the help of electricity. After a short period of time, the solution begins to decompose. The anode deposition of chlorine and the cathode deposition of hydrogen are the two types of deposition.
Three products are created during the process, each of which is useful in its own way. The amalgam that has been formed during the process produces Hydrogen (g) and Sodium Hydroxide when it is treated with water.
Sodium Hydroxide Has a Wide Range of Uses.
Sodium hydroxide is commonly used in the manufacturing of soap and detergents. Another common use for this product is to degrease metals. There are a variety of other uses for it, as shown in the following list:
It is used in the paper production industry.
It is used in caustic washing. Caustic washing is a process that removes sulphurous impurities from crude oil by using sodium hydroxide.
Textile fibres like Rayon are made with sodium hydroxide.
The aluminium ore is purified and ready to use using this method.
Characteristics of Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, like all other elements, has a number of distinguishing features. It’s a strong alkaline compound with a well-defined chemical structure. Some of its characteristics are as follows:
The melting of sodium hydroxide necessitates a temperature of 591 degrees Celsius.
It has a bitter taste and feels soapy when touched.
It completely dissolves in water, but it leaves a residue in alcohol.
Negative Consequences of Sodium Hydroxide
Despite its numerous advantages, sodium hydroxide has some drawbacks that should be considered when using it.
When exposed to high temperatures, sodium hydroxide has the ability to disintegrate human tissue. A great deal of caution is required in this situation.
If it comes into contact with the eye, the risk of permanent blindness increases.
If this substance comes into contact with the skin, it can cause severe burns.
During the solvation process, there is a chance that splashing will occur. It’s possible that it’ll come into contact with your eyes or skin while going through this process.
CONCLUSION:
As a result of this conclusion, we can confidently state that Bleaching Powder and Sodium Hydroxide are two chemical compounds derived from common table salt (Sodium Chloride).
Calcium hypochlorite is also known as bleaching powder. It can be used to bleach textile fibres like cotton and linen, sterilise water, and a variety of other things in addition to washing clothes.
Ca(OCl)2 is the chemical formula for bleaching powder. The two types of aqueous solutions are anhydrous and hydrous. It is used to make soap and is white in colour with a pungent odour.