What is Sodium hypochlorite?
[[File:Eau-de-Javel-deutsch-1.jpg|thumb|Bleach packaged for household use, with 2.6% sodium hypochlorite.]] '''Sodium hypochlorite''' is an unstable [[compound]] composed of [[sodium]] and [[hypochlorite]] [[ion]]s. It is stable in [[solution]], though. It is light green and has the chemical formula NaClO (or NaOCl). It is a strong [[oxidizing agent]]. It is used to disinfect (kill bacteria) and as a [[bleach]] to remove stains{{cn}} from clothing. It is not good for cotton because the [[sodium hydroxide]] normally contained eats away the clothing fibers. It reacts with [[acid]]s to produce [[chlorine]]. ==Related pages== *[[Potassium chlorate]] *[[Hypochlorite]] [[Category:Sodium compounds]] [[Category:Chlorine compounds]]