Comprehensive Insights into Calcium Hypochlorite: Properties, Applications, and Storage Guidelines

Calcium hypochlorite is a very valuable chemical in the world and has broad development prospects. It has a wide range of uses, not only due to its effective sterilization properties, but also because it plays an important role in daily water treatment, medical treatment, food safety and many other fields. An in-depth understanding of the role of calcium hypochlorite will play a positive role in promoting the progress of science and technology in our country and promoting the development of the national economy. ​

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Ⅰ. Physical and chemical properties of calcium hypochlorite

It is a white powder with a strong chlorine smell. It is a yellow-green translucent liquid. Its melting point is 100°C and it will decomposition at very high temperatures. The relative density (water = 1) is 2.35, indicating that it is denser than water.

The relative vapor density (air=1) is 6.9, implying that its vapor density is higher relative to air. The molecular formula is CaClO2 and the molecular weight is 142.99. Good water solubility means that the compound can be dissolved in water.

This product has certain hazards to the human body, mainly as follows: dust can irritate the conjunctiva of the eyes and respiratory tract, damage teeth, and skin contact can cause moderate to severe damage. In addition, this product has the risk of burning and explosion, has strong combustion-supporting properties and is irritating.

For skin contact, contaminated clothing should be taken off immediately, skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

​ Ⅱ. Is calcium hypochlorite oxidizing?

Calcium hypochlorite has both oxidizing and reducing properties. This is because the chlorine in calcium hypochlorite has a valency between the highest and lowest chlorine valencies. In calcium hypochlorite, the valence of chlorine is +1. This means that the chlorine atom loses an electron and exhibits some oxidizing properties. The highest valence of chlorine can reach +7, while the lowest can reach -1. The valence of chlorine in calcium hypochlorite lies between these two extremes. Since the valency of chlorine in calcium hypochlorite is between the highest and lowest chlorine valencies, it is classified as a substance between oxidizing and reducing properties.

​ Ⅲ. What is the difference between sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite?

Differences in solubility Sodium hypochlorite:

Sodium hypochlorite is soluble in water. When in solid state, sodium hypochlorite is relatively soluble in water.

Calcium hypochlorite: Calcium hydroxide is slightly soluble in water, and calcium hypochlorite forms a yellow-green translucent liquid in water.

Differences in preparation methods:

Sodium hypochlorite: generally obtained by the reaction of chlorine and sodium hydroxide solution, in which sodium hypochlorite water has a bleaching effect in the reaction solution.

Calcium hypochlorite: It is commonly used in industry to mix excess calcium hydroxide with water to form lime milk, and react by introducing chlorine gas to generate calcium hypochlorite. In this process, bleaching powder can be obtained by reducing the calcium chloride content.

Application considerations:

Sodium hypochlorite: Since sodium hydroxide is easily soluble in water, in order to consider cost issues in industrial production, sodium hypochlorite solutions are usually used instead of solid sodium hypochlorite. Its solution plays a bleaching role in the reaction solution.

Calcium hypochlorite: Since calcium hydroxide is slightly soluble in water, it is more common in industry to use calcium hypochlorite solutions through the preparation method of excess calcium hydroxide, which is more economical and effective in the bleaching process.

​ Ⅳ. How to deal with calcium hypochlorite leakage Small leakage treatment

When dealing with small leaks : avoid generating dust and preventing the leakage from spreading into the air. Use a clean shovel to collect the spill to a dry state. Place spilled material in a covered container to prevent further spread. Move the container to a safe location away from people and the environment.

Large leakage handling: For large spills, use plastic sheeting or canvas to cover the leaked area to reduce further spread. Collect spilled material and recycle it, or transport it to a specialized waste disposal site for safe disposal. ​

Ⅴ. Storage precautions​

Storage environment: Store calcium hypochlorite in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse to ensure the stability of the storage environment.

Keep away from fire and heat sources: Storage areas should be kept away from fire and heat sources to reduce the risk of fire and heat.

Temperature and humidity control: The storage temperature should not exceed 30°C, and the relative humidity should not exceed 80% to ensure that storage conditions are within controllable range.

Sealed packaging: The packaging must be sealed to prevent calcium hypochlorite from coming into contact with air and maintain its stability.

Store separately: Calcium hypochlorite should be stored separately from chemical substances such as reducing agents, acids, flammable substances, etc. to prevent unsafe chemical reactions.

Avoid Mixed Storage: Avoid mixed storage, especially with incompatible chemicals, to prevent unexpected reactions and accidents.

Limit storage quantity: It is not advisable to store large quantities or for long periods of time to reduce potential risks and instability during storage.

Spill Containment: The storage area should be equipped with suitable materials and appropriate equipment to contain and clean up leaks to prevent leaks from harming the environment and personnel.

In short, a comprehensive understanding of calcium hypochlorite can not only deepen our understanding of chemical knowledge, but also guide its wider and deeper applications. In the future development process, it is necessary to continue in-depth research to explore the application potential of calcium hypochlorite and contribute to the improvement of water treatment.

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