Potassium hypochlorite

Structural formula
General
Surname	Potassium hypochlorite
other names	Javel water (aqueous solution)
Molecular formula	KClO
Brief description	only stable in aqueous solution
External identifiers / databases
CAS number 7778-66-7 EC number 231-909-2 ECHA InfoCard 100.029.008 PubChem 23665762 Wikidata Q1722304
properties
Molar mass	90.55 g mol −1
solubility	miscible with water
safety instructions
GHS labeling of hazardous substances for the aqueous KClO solution danger H and P phrases H: 314-400 EUH: 031 P: ?
As far as possible and customary, SI units are used. Unless otherwise noted, the data given apply to standard conditions .

Potassium hypochlorite ( KClO ) is the potassium salt of hypochlorous acid (hypochlorous acid).

Extraction and presentation

It is produced by introducing chlorine gas into potassium hydroxide solution or by electrolysis of a potassium chloride solution.

${\displaystyle \mathrm {2\ KOH+Cl_{2}\rightarrow KClO+KCl+H_{2}O} }$

When the concentrated solution cools to −10 ° C, crystalline hydrate separates out, which is very reactive and has a fire-promoting effect.

properties

Potassium hypochlorite can only be stored in an aqueous solution and in this form has a yellow-green color. The aqueous solution has a strongly alkaline reaction. The compound decomposes on heating, liberating chlorine compounds such as hydrogen chloride.

use

Diluted solutions are sold as Eau de Javel ( Javel water ). These are used for bleaching , oxidizing or, because of its antimicrobial effect, for disinfecting . It is also used to detoxify wastewater containing cyanide.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c} Entry on potassium hypochlorite solution with active chlorine in the GESTIS substance database of the IFA , accessed on September 11, 2015 (JavaScript required)