Chloric lime is also called bleach or calcium hypochlorite. Although the latter name is not entirely true, because This substance is a complex mixture and it includes not only hypochlorite (Ca (ClO) 2), but also oxychloride (CaClO), chloride (CaCl2), and calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH) 2). Also, in the form of an impurity , iron (III) chloride may be present, which gives a yellowish color. Under normal conditions, this compound has a solid state of aggregation, a strong smell of chlorine and most often a white color. Only calcium hypochloride dissolves in water, while chlorine is released into the atmosphere, and the rest of the components of the mixture form a thick precipitate - a suspension.
In direct sunlight, bleach produces oxygen, and when heated, decomposes with the release of heat, which can lead to an explosion. In this regard, this substance must be stored in darkened, cool (unheated) and ventilated areas. When working with bleaching lime, it is necessary to use protective equipment for skin and respiratory organs, especially in enterprises for its production and transportation.
From the point of view of chemistry, the substance bleach, the formula of which is written CaCl (OCl), refers to mixed (double) salts, i.e. contains two anions.
Also, this compound is a strong oxidizing agent capable of converting MnO (manganese (II) oxide) → MnO2 (manganese (IV) oxide) in an alkaline solution; when interacting with organic substances, cause them to ignite. When interacting with sulfuric or hydrochloric acids, chlorine is released: Ca (ClO) Cl + H2SO4 → Cl2 + CaSO4 + H2O.
This substance is obtained in production by chlorination of calcium hydroxide. With this process, bleach of three grades is obtained - 26, 32 and 35% of active chlorine (the amount of pure chlorine released when HCl or H2SO4 acids are exposed to this mixture). One of the disadvantages of this substance is that it loses active chlorine during storage, by 5-10% per year. They try to fight this by releasing a product of increased stability, passing chlorine in the form of gas through a suspension of Ca (OH) 2. Active chlorine in the compound obtained in this way is 45-70%. Another disadvantage of this substance is that it causes metal corrosion and corrodes cotton fabrics. Therefore, they store it in wooden containers, plastic containers or plastic bags and bags.
Chloric lime exhibits bactericidal and sporocidal properties, which are determined by the presence of hypochlorous acid and oxygen in solution. Due to this, it is actively used in wastewater treatment from various sewages and by medical institutions as disinfectants (surfaces, common areas are treated). Also used as bleach in the manufacture of fabrics, pulp and paper.
Thus, bleach is a complex mixture, which is a chemically rather active substance and exhibits the properties of a strong oxidizing agent. In aqueous solutions it is hydrolyzed, forming hypochlorous acid (HC1O). With increasing temperature (heating) and under the influence of sunlight, decomposes, releasing oxygen and chlorine.