Chlorine is also called bleach or calcium hypochlorite. Although the last name is not entirely correct, because. this substance is a complex mixture and it includes not only hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), but also oxychloride (CaClO), chloride (CaCl2), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). Iron(III) chloride may also be present as an impurity, which imparts a yellowish color. Under normal conditions, this compound has a solid state of aggregation, a strong smell of chlorine and, most often, a white color. Only calcium hypochloride dissolves in water, while chlorine is released into the atmosphere, and the rest of the mixture forms a thick precipitate - a suspension.
When exposed to direct sunlight, bleach releases oxygen, and when heated, it decomposes, releasing heat, which can lead to an explosion. In this regard, this substance must be stored in dark, cool (unheated) and ventilated areas. When working with bleaching lime, it is necessary to use protective equipment for the skin, respiratory organs, especially at enterprises forits production and transportation.
From the point of view of chemistry, the substance bleach, whose formula is written CaCl(OCl), refers to mixed (double) s alts, i.e. contains two anions.
Also, this compound is a strong oxidizing agent capable of converting MnO (manganese (II) oxide)→MnO2 (manganese (IV) oxide) in an alkaline solution; when interacting with organic substances, cause their ignition. When interacting with sulfuric or hydrochloric acids, chlorine is released: Ca(ClO)Cl + H2SO4→Cl2+CaSO4+H2O.
This substance is obtained in production by chlorination of calcium hydroxide. With this technological process, bleach of three grades is obtained - 26, 32 and 35% of active chlorine (the amount of pure chlorine released when HCl or H2SO4 acids act on a given mixture). One of the disadvantages of this substance is that it loses active chlorine during storage, by 5-10% per year. They try to combat this by releasing a product of increased stability by passing chlorine in the form of a gas through a suspension of Ca (OH) 2. Active chlorine in the compound obtained in this way is 45-70%. Also, the disadvantage of this substance is that it causes metal corrosion and corrodes cotton fabrics. Therefore, they store it in wooden containers, plastic containers or plastic bags and bags.
Chloric lime exhibits bactericidal and sporicidal properties, which are determined by the presence of hypochlorous acid and oxygen in solution. DueTherefore, it is actively used in the treatment of wastewater from various sewage and by medical institutions as a disinfectant (surfaces, common areas are treated). Also used as a bleach in the manufacture of textiles, pulp and paper.
Thus, bleach is a complex mixture, which is a chemically rather active substance and exhibits the properties of a strong oxidizing agent. In aqueous solutions, it hydrolyzes, forming hypochlorous acid (HC1O). When the temperature rises (heating) and under the influence of sunlight, it decomposes, releasing oxygen and chlorine.
