Potassium hypochlorite
Structural formula | ||||||||||||||||
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General | ||||||||||||||||
Surname | Potassium hypochlorite | |||||||||||||||
other names |
Javel water (aqueous solution) |
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Molecular formula | KClO | |||||||||||||||
Brief description |
only stable in aqueous solution |
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External identifiers / databases | ||||||||||||||||
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properties | ||||||||||||||||
Molar mass | 90.55 g mol −1 | |||||||||||||||
solubility |
miscible with water |
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safety instructions | ||||||||||||||||
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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.
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
- ↑ 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)