Sodium hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite (CAS 7681-52-9), commonly referenced as NaOCl or sodium oxychloride, is an inorganic oxidizing agent used across industrial, municipal, and institutional markets. It delivers broad-spectrum antimicrobial action and oxidative bleaching through controlled chlorine release in aqueous solution. In water treatment, NaOCl is dosed into municipal and industrial systems to disinfect potable water, control biofilm in cooling towers, and sanitize wastewater effluent. Pulp and paper producers use it to bleach cellulose fibers, replacing or supplementing elemental chlorine.

These applications often utilize ECF and TCF bleaching sequences to ensure high-quality output. Food processing facilities apply it as a surface sanitizer and equipment disinfectant, where it meets food-contact safety requirements at regulated concentrations. Textile and laundry operations rely on it to remove color from natural fibers and to formulate industrial-strength bleaching liquors. Sodium hypochlorite is supplied as an aqueous solution, with commercial concentrations typically ranging from 5% to 15% available chlorine.

The 12–15% range is considered the standard for industrial supply across most chemical sectors. Dilute 5% solutions are common in food-grade and institutional cleaning applications where lower concentrations are preferred for safety and handling. Technical and food-grade designations are available, with product specifications aligned to standards such as ANSI/AWWA B300 for water treatment applications. This ensures the chemical meets rigorous safety and performance benchmarks for municipal use.

The material is also manufactured to meet various international quality standards including FCC, USP, Ph.Eur., BP, EP, and ACS where applicable. These certifications guarantee the purity and consistency required for sensitive industrial processes.