17 Hypochlorite Uses: Facts You Should Know!

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Hypochlorite is anion group with chemical formula ClO–. It is referred as esters of hypochlorous acid (HClO) bounded using covalent interactions. Let us explore facts about ClO–.

Hypochlorite combines with several alkali metals or alkaline earth metals and is used in following applications.  

  • Chemical Applications
  • Synthetic Applications
  • Commercial Applications

Hereon, let us draw some light on the aspects of various chemical and physical uses of hypochlorites in detail.

Chemical Applications

  • Hypochlorites produces hypochlorous acid on acidification. The process leads to increase in pH.
  • Hypochlorite (ClO–) are reactive and thus gives reaction with various organic chemicals.
  • Hypochlorites also reacts with ammonia in a chain reaction producing monochloramine, dichloramine and finally nitrogen trichloride.
  • Hypochlorite is the strong oxidizing agent of chlorine oxyanions.

What Are Some Common Uses of Cobalt (II) Chloride?

Cobalt chloride uses include indicator for moisture, catalyst in chemical reactions, and in electrophysiological research. It is also used to produce blue pigment for ceramics and glass and acts as a drying agent for gas streams. Additionally, cobalt chloride is employed in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries and as an ingredient in animal feed supplements.

Synthetic Applications

  • Chloroperoxidases combine inorganic compounds, chloride ion and hydrogen peroxide to liberate Cl+ ion which are required to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
  • Hypochlorite is used as a strong oxidizer to convert Mn (III) into Mn (V) in Jacobsen epoxidation.
  • Hypochlorite is also used in the oxidation of primary ethanols into carboxylic acid.
  • The hypochlorites also convert the piperidine into N-chloropiperidine.
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Uses of Hypochlorite

Commercial Applications

  • Hypochlorites are industrially popular as disinfectants and bleaching agents.
  • Hypochlorite has a wide range of implications as to whitening clothes, cleaning stains, and lightening hair color.
  • Hypochlorite are also utilized as deodorizers.
  • Hypochlorite are used as water purification agents in swimming pools.
  • Hypochlorite salts are handled as aqueous solutions with major applications as bleaching, disinfectant, and as water purification agents.

Conclusion

Hypochlorite is a conjugate base of hypochlorous acid. It combines with a number of cations to produce hypochlorite salts. Its wide application as of inorganic catalyst functions as an important reagent in organic synthesis and other catalysis mechanisms.