Bleaching ability:
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a strong oxidizing agent with strong bleaching power. It effectively removes color and stains, leaving objects brighter and cleaner.
Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid, also has bleaching power, but its bleaching power is weaker than that of hypochlorous acid. This is because sodium hypochlorite breaks down into hypochlorous acid and chloride ions in water, and hypochlorous acid is the main bleaching agent.
pH:
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is highly acidic and its pH is usually between 4-6. Hypochlorous acid has a stronger bleaching power under acidic conditions.
Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) has a higher pH, usually between 8-10. Under alkaline conditions, sodium hypochlorite has a strong bleaching ability.
Side effect:
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is relatively safe and has little impact on the human body and the environment. However, high concentrations of hypochlorous acid may be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) may be a skin and eye irritant in high concentrations. Additionally, sodium hypochlorite may produce toxic gases when in contact with certain substances such as acids, ammonia, and organics.
News
Comparison of Hypochlorous Acid and Sodium Hypochlorite in Bleaching
Aug17,23