Chlorine Bleach
Sodium Hypochlorite
By: Karshana
Chemical Reaction:
Word Equation:
Chemical Equation:
Balanced:
Cl2 (g) + 2 NaOH (aq) → NaCl (aq) + NaClO (aq) + H2O (l)
Type of Reaction:
Disproportionation
The Role Of the Reaction:
Without the reaction of Sodium Hypochlorite chlorine bleach wouldn't exist and our lives could be much different.
Impact on Society:
It keeps our homes and swimming pools clean, and additionally kills weeds.
1. Bleach has made cleaning at home easier and efficient.
(whitening clothing, and removing stains)
2. Used in swimming pool sanitation to control bacteria, viruses, and algae.
3. Used in many industrial processes. (Ex. bleaching of wood pulp)
4. Has been used for removing mildew, and killing weeds.
Benefits and Risks of Bleach:
Environmental: (Risks)
Water Pollution:
Chlorine bleach often is released into local water bodies along with other liquid industrial waste.
Once it reaches the water, chlorine reacts with other minerals and elements to form dangerous toxins.
Air Pollution:
These toxins can cause severe long- and short-term respiratory irritation upon inhalation. They may also contribute to problems with the immune system, blood and heart.
Health: (Risks)
Inhaling the gasses can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and the respiratory tract.
Household bleach, without having been mixed with other products, can cause pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma if ingested.
Household Use: (Benefits)
Kills bacteria, mold, and fungus.
Additionally it is effective at disinfecting and removing viruses.
Effective at killing and removing mold from wood, clothing, tile and other surfaces.
Interesting Facts:
Several countries have banned chlorine bleach or restricted its use in an effort to protect the environment and human health.
The Creation Of Bleach:
In 1774, Swedish chemist Karl Wilhelm Scheele discovered the chemical element chlorine, a highly irritating, green-yellowish gaseous halogen.
In 1785, French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet, noting the bleaching properties of chlorine, invented hypochlorite bleach in 1789.
Works Cited:
What is Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)? (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2016, from http://www.powellfab.com/technical_information/sodium_hypochlorite/what_is.aspx
(n.d.). Retrieved October 09, 2016, from http://study.com/academy/lesson/sodium-hypochlorite-structure-uses-formula.html
Sodium Hypochlorite Chemical Compound Formula. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://www.powellfab.com/technical_information/sodium_hypochlorite/chemical_formula.aspx
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions. (2016). Retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://chem.libretexts.org/Core/Analytical_Chemistry/Electrochemistry/Redox_Chemistry/Oxidation-Reduction_Reactions
Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2016, from http://www.educatingwellness.com/natural-health/dangers-of-bleach/
Bleach. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2016, from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bleach
"Bleach." How Products Are Made. . Retrieved October 12, 2016 from Encyclopedia.com:http://www.encyclopedia.com/manufacturing/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/bleach
The Effects of Chlorine Bleach on the Environment. (2015). Retrieved October 12, 2016, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/217675-the-effects-of-chlorine-bleach-on-the-environment/