BLEACH

BLEACH
INTRODUCTION
Bleach is the generic name for any chemical product that is used
industrially or domestically to remove colour (whitening) from fabric or
fiber (in a process called bleaching) or to disinfect after cleaning. It often
refers specifically to a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, also called
"liquid bleach".
Many bleaches have broad-spectrum bactericidal properties,

making them useful for disinfecting and sterilizing. They are
used in swimming pool sanitation to control bacteria, viruses,
and algae and in many places where sterile conditions are
required. They are also used in many industrial processes,
notably in the bleaching of wood pulp. Bleaches also have other
minor uses, like removing mildew, killing weeds.
Bleaches work by reacting with many coloured organic
compounds, such as natural pigments, and reacting with the
chromaphor of different materials causing them not be able to
absorb color in the visible spec and thereby turning them into
colourless ones. While most bleaches are oxidizing agents
(chemicals that can remove electrons from other molecules),
some are reducing agents (that donate electrons).
Chlorine, a powerful oxidizer, is the active agent in many
household bleaches. Since pure chlorine is a toxic corrosive gas,
these products usually contain hypochlorite, which releases
chlorine. "Bleaching powder" usually refers to a formulation
containing calcium hypochlorite.
TYPES
Most industrial and household bleaches belong to three broad
classes:
Chlorine-based bleaches, whose active agent is chlorine,
usually from the decomposition of some chlorine compound
like hypochlorite or chloramine.
Peroxide-based bleaches, whose active agent is oxygen, almost
always from the decomposition of a peroxide compound like
hydrogen peroxide.
Sulfur dioxide-based bleaches, whose active agent is sulfur
dioxide, possibly from the decomposition of some oxosulfur
anion.
The household bleach is a chlorine based bleach which is
mainly sodium hypochlorite with the chemical formula NaClO
DISINFECTING ABILITY OF BLEACH
The broad-spectrum effectiveness of most bleaches in
disinfection is due to their general chemical reactivity against
organic compounds, rather than the selective inhibitory or toxic
actions of antibiotics. They irreversibly denature or destroy
many proteins, making them extremely versatile disinfectants.
HEALTH CONCERNS
The safety of bleaches depends on the compounds present, and
their concentration. Generally speaking, the ingestion of
bleaches will cause damage to the esophagus and stomach,
possibly leading to death. On contact with the skin or eyes, it
causes irritation, drying, and potentially burns. Inhalation of
bleach fumes can damage the lungs. Personal protective
equipment should always be used when using bleach.
Bleach should never be mixed with vinegar or other acids, as
this will create highly toxic chlorine gas, which can cause severe
burns internally and externally. Mixing bleach with ammonia
similarly produces toxic chloramine gas, which can burn the
lungs. Mixing bleach with rubbing alcohol makes highly toxic
chloroform, while mixing with hydrogen peroxide results in an
exothermic and potentially explosive chemical reaction that
releases oxygen.
PRODUCTION OF HOUSEHOLD BLEACH (Chlorine Based)

Reagents:
Calcium hypochlorite (Chlorine)
Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic soda)
Sodium carbonate (Soda ash)
Water
QUANTITY MEASUREMENT
Water - 5 liters
Chlorine - ¼kg
soda ash - ¼kg
Caustic soda - 2 spoons
PRODUCTION
Production of household detergent is not a very complex
process as people may think. It just involves the mixing of the
reactants
- Dissolve the chlorine powder in 4.5L of water
- Gradually add the caustic into the solution while u stir
- Add the soda ash the mixture and still
- Add the remaining water
- Stir for some minutes then allow to settle for 24hrs
- Decant and package
NOTE
Bleaches generally react with many other organic substances besides the
intended coloured pigments, so they can weaken or damage natural
materials like fibers, cloth, and leather, and intentionally applied dyes.
For the same reason, ingestion of the products, breathing of the fumes,
or contact with skin or eyes can cause bodily harm and damage health.

BLEACH

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BLEACH

industrially or domestically to remove colour (whitening) from fabric or

fiber (in a process called bleaching) or to disinfect after cleaning. It often

refers specifically to a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, also called

Many bleaches have broad-spectrum bactericidal properties,

PRODUCTION OF HOUSEHOLD BLEACH (Chlorine Based)

intended coloured pigments, so they can weaken or damage natural

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