Hypochlorite facts for kids
Hypochlorite is a special kind of tiny particle called an ion. You might know it from everyday products like household bleach. It's a powerful chemical that helps clean and disinfect things.
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What is Hypochlorite?
Hypochlorite is a chemical compound that contains chlorine and oxygen. It has a negative electrical charge, making it an ion. Its chemical formula is ClO-. This means it has one chlorine atom and one oxygen atom, and the whole particle has a charge of minus one.
Where Can You Find Hypochlorite?
The most common place you'll find hypochlorite is in household bleach. This is a liquid used for cleaning, whitening clothes, and killing germs. Hypochlorite is the active ingredient that makes bleach work so well.
How Does Hypochlorite Work?
Hypochlorite is known for being unstable. This means it breaks down easily, especially when it touches other chemicals or light. When it breaks down, it releases oxygen. This released oxygen is very reactive and helps to clean and disinfect.
Powerful Cleaning Action
Hypochlorite is a strong oxidizing agent. Think of an oxidizing agent as a chemical that can "take" electrons from other substances. When hypochlorite takes electrons, it changes the other substance. This process helps to:
Reaction with Acids
If hypochlorite comes into contact with acids, it can produce chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is a strong chemical and can be dangerous if breathed in. This is why you should never mix bleach with acidic cleaners like toilet bowl cleaners or vinegar.
Chemical Properties of Hypochlorite
In the hypochlorite ion (ClO-), the chlorine atom is in a special state called its +1 oxidation state. This refers to how many electrons it has gained or lost. Hypochlorites are also known as the salts of hypochlorous acid. This means they are formed when hypochlorous acid reacts with another chemical.
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