Sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid reaction

We may not be familiar with the chemical name sodium hypochlorite, but we all know it when it comes to bleach. Sodium hypochlorite is the bleaching agent we often see in daily life. Sodium hypochlorite solution is mainly used for disinfection, sterilization and water treatment in life. It is also suitable for industrial products. The solution is corrosive. Speaking of hydrochloric acid, everyone will subconsciously think of sulfuric acid. Hydrochloric acid is also a type of acid with a strong pungent odor and is highly corrosive.

Hydrochloric acid is a colorless liquid (industrial hydrochloric acid may appear slightly yellow due to the presence of trivalent iron salt as an impurity). It is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride and has a pungent odor. The hydrochloric acid generally used in laboratories is 0.1 mol/L and has a pH of 1. Since concentrated hydrochloric acid is volatile, the volatilized hydrogen chloride gas reacts with water vapor in the air to form small hydrochloric acid droplets, so white mist is seen. Hydrochloric acid is miscible with water and ethanol. Concentrated hydrochloric acid releases heat when diluted. Hydrogen chloride can dissolve in benzene.

Sodium hypochlorite solution is a dissolving liquid of sodium hypochlorite. It is a slightly yellow solution with a chlorine-like smell, a very pungent smell, and is extremely unstable. It is a chemical product frequently used in the chemical industry. Sodium hypochlorite solution is suitable for disinfection, sterilization and water treatment, and there are also products that are only suitable for general industrial use. Mainly used for bleaching of pulp, textiles, chemical fibers and starch. In the soap making industry, it is used as a bleaching agent for oils and fats. The chemical industry is used to produce hydrazine hydrate, monochloramine and dichloramine. It is also used to make chlorinating agents for cobalt and nickel. Used as water purifier, bactericide and disinfectant in water treatment. The dye industry uses it to make sulphur blue. In the organic industry, it is used to make chloropicrin and a detergent for acetylene produced by hydration of calcium carbide. In agriculture and animal husbandry, it is used as a disinfectant and deodorant for vegetables, fruits, farms and livestock houses, etc. Food-grade products are used for the disinfection of drinking water, fruits and vegetables, and for the sterilization and disinfection of food manufacturing equipment and utensils.

Sodium hypochlorite reacts with hydrochloric acid. The result is related to the concentration of hydrochloric acid. The role of hydrochloric acid is oxidation and acidification.

1. If it is dilute hydrochloric acid, the equation is:

NaClO + HCl = HClO + NaCl

Hypochlorous acid is unstable and easily decomposes into hydrogen chloride and oxygen when exposed to light.

2. If it is concentrated hydrochloric acid, the equation is:

2HCl + NaClO = NaCl + H2O + Cl2↑

A return to the center reaction occurs.

The reaction of sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid is the same method used in our industry to make toilet cleaner and 84 disinfectant.