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Calcium Hypochlorite
Introduction
Two hypochlorite anions are linked with 1 calcium cation calcium hypochlorite. Calcium is an ionic compound composed of a metal cation as well as a chlorine-derived anion. The no. of anions per cation in these compounds varies according to the valency of the metal cation. The compound is often available as a white powder, pellets, or flat plates, whereas sodium hypochlorite is typically accessible as a greenish-yellow, aqueous solution. Hypochlorite is commonly used in cleaning agents, bleaching, drinking water, as well as swimming pool disinfection.
What is Calcium Hypochlorite?
Ca(ClO)2 is the formula for this chemical compound. It is also referred to as bleaching powder or perhaps calcium oxychloride. It is an ionic complex that consists of 2 hypochlorite anions (ClO-) as well as a calcium cation (Ca2+). Considering its stability at room temperature, it decomposes slowly in moist conditions, imparting a notable 'chlorine' odour. The popular term for the compound is bleaching powder. It is a chemical that is recognised to be an active component in most commercial bleaching products, including chlorinated lime, chlorine powder as well as bleaching powder.
Calcium Hypochlorite Chemical Equation
The compound is commercially accessible in both hydrated as well as anhydrous forms & is a key element in both chlorine powder & bleaching powder. On a wide scale, the mentioned compound is made by reacting chlorine gas with calcium hydroxide. This reaction is represented as follows.
$$\mathrm{2Ca(OH)_2+2Cl_2→Ca(ClO)_2+H_2 O+CaCl_2}$$
Typically, the bleaching powder is a calcium hypochlorite combination, & its dibasic form is Ca(ClO2).2Ca(OH)2. Calcium chloride dibasic form, on the other hand, may be expressed as (CaCl2.2Ca(OH)2). It has a higher chlorine availability than sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) since it contains 2 ClO- ions.
Structure of Calcium Hypochlorite
It is composed of 1 Ca+ ion & 2 ClO- ions. The following is an example of a representation.
Each chlorite ion is negatively charged which is -1, whereas the calcium ion is positively charged which is +2. With the aid of 2 hypochlorite ions, 1 calcium cation may create ionic connections.
Properties of Calcium Hypochlorite
Chemical information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Calcium Hypochlorite | Ca(ClO)2 |
| Density | 2.35 g/cm3 at 20 oC |
| Molar Mass | 142.98 g/mol |
| M.P. | 373K (100oC) |
| B.P. | Decomposes at 448K |
Physical Properties
At normal temperature, the compounds are white or grey solid.
Its water solubility is 21g/100 mL & when dissolved, it interacts with the water.
When compared to soft/medium-hard water, its solubility in hard water is comparatively low.
The compound has a distinct chlorine smell as it interacts with water particles in the air.
Chemical Properties
As it quickly accepts H+, it acts as a strong base. When mixed with H2 O, the hypochlorite anion accepts a proton from H2 O, resulting in the creation of an OH- ion.
ClO-+H2 O→HClO+OH- is the chemical reaction.
Because it can rapidly receive an electron, this molecule is also a potent oxidising agent.
The compound reacts with hydrochloric acid to generate chlorine gas (Cl2), calcium chloride (CaCl2) & water.
4HCl+ Ca(ClO)2→CaCl2+Cl2+H2 O is the chemical equation for the above-mentioned reaction.
Production of Calcium Hypochlorite
This chemical compound is created in an industrial setting by reacting lime (Ca(OH)2 with chlorine gas. This process is performed in stages to produce a variety of compositions with variable calcium hypochlorite concentrations, as well as unconverted calcium chloride as well as lime. The chemical representation is as follows −
$$\mathrm{2Cl_2+2Ca(OH)_2→Ca(ClO)_2+CaCl_2+2H_2 O}$$
A little damp slaked lime is used to make bleaching powder. It is also not a simple combination of calcium hydroxide, calcium hypochlorite, as well as calcium chloride.
Calcium Hypochlorite Uses
It is commonly used to sterilize large quantities of water, keeping it potable. It is also often used in swimming pools to purify water as well as eradicate bacteria. Other principal calcium hypochlorite uses are given below.
This is very important in organic chemistry since it is a good oxidising agent.
By cleaving the glycol as well as keto acid bonds, it is possible to create fragmented aldehydes or perhaps carboxylic acids.
The haloform reaction uses the Ca(ClO)2 molecule to produce chloroform.
Because of its high chlorine availability, it may be used to disinfect both drinking water as well as wastewater.
Some bleaching solutions also contain calcium hypochlorite.
Conclusion
Calcium hypochlorite is composed of 2 hypochlorite anions & 1 calcium cation. It is a solid that can be utilised in the substitution of liquid NaOCl. The compound is sold as chlorine powder or even bleach powder for water purification & as a bleaching agent when coupled with lime & calcium chloride. The compound is utilised in kitchens to disinfect surfaces as well as equipment in addition to water treatment. Other popular applications include bathroom cleaners, disinfectant sprays, algaecides, herbicides, as well as laundry detergents.
FAQs
1. Mention the Benefits Hypochlorite of Calcium
It is convenient to transport as well as store.
This chemical does not increase the salt content of water.
It has higher stability than sodium hypochlorite.
It is also quite effective when utilised appropriately.
It is used in disinfecting houses in the same way as sodium hypochlorite, although it has more chlorine.
Manufactured calcium hypochlorite generally contains around 70 percent free chlorine. As a result, calcium hypochlorite can be employed in both potable water & wastewater uses.
2. Mention the Drawbacks of Calcium Hypochlorite.
It might create a blockage.
It is not soluble.
It is corrosive as well as hygroscopic.
If not properly kept, it can gradually react with moisture in the air to generate chlorine gasoline.
The degree of dissolution accomplished determines the final concentration of chlorine in the water.
3. Is Calcium Hypochlorite Soluble in Water?
The mentioned compound is water soluble. Because it is an ionic material, it dissolves quickly in water & dissociates into its ions.
At 25oC, the solubility of this chemical in water is approximately 210 g/L. Furthermore, this compound is insoluble in alcohol because it reacts with the solvent in those instances.
4. Why is calcium hypochlorite harmful?
This compound is a toxic material that must be stored carefully due to the corrosive nature of the hypochlorite moiety. It should be stored in a cool as well as dry area & should not be subjected to metals or acids. When an acid interacts with calcium hypochlorite, it produces very poisonous chlorine gas emissions.
5. How is calcium hypochlorite manufactured in the industrial setting?
The compound is frequently produced on an industrial scale by the chemical reaction of gaseous chlorine with calcium hydroxide, which is commonly used in the state of the mineral lime. The chemical reaction between calcium hydroxide & chlorine gas produces calcium hypochlorite, calcium chloride, & water.
