Chlorine vs. Sodium Hypochlorite — What's the Difference?
Chlorine is a chemical element (Cl) and a yellow-green gas, whereas Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a chemical compound, often used as a disinfectant in bleach.
Difference Between Chlorine and Sodium Hypochlorite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chlorine, with its symbol Cl, exists naturally as a yellow-green gas and is highly reactive. Sodium Hypochlorite, on the other hand, is a stable, generally safe solution used in various applications.
Chlorine is widely utilized in the production of numerous products like medicines and textiles. In contrast, Sodium Hypochlorite finds its major use in household bleach and disinfection processes.
While Chlorine is one of the halogens in the periodic table, Sodium Hypochlorite is a compound containing sodium, oxygen, and chlorine.
Though Chlorine is crucial in water purification, it's Sodium Hypochlorite that's often used for its stability and ease of use in such contexts.
Lastly, Chlorine plays a significant role in the chemical industry in producing numerous compounds, whereas Sodium Hypochlorite remains one of the most widely used chlorine-containing compounds for cleaning and disinfecting.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Element
Compound
Physical State
Gas at room temperature
Liquid or solid
Use in Cleaning
Needs to be processed
Directly used in bleach
Reactivity
Highly reactive
Stable in many conditions
Existence Form
Occurs naturally
Does not occur naturally
Compare with Definitions
Chlorine
Chlorine has a yellow-green color.
At room temperature, Chlorine presents as a yellow-green gas.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium Hypochlorite is a bleaching agent.
Sodium Hypochlorite is widely used to bleach laundry.
Chlorine
Chlorine is highly reactive.
Chlorine readily combines with many other elements.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium Hypochlorite is a disinfectant.
Many households use Sodium Hypochlorite as a disinfectant.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical element.
Chlorine's atomic number is 17 on the periodic table.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium Hypochlorite is commonly in liquid form.
Sodium Hypochlorite is typically encountered as a pale greenish-yellow dilute solution.
Chlorine
Chlorine is used in water treatment.
Chlorine effectively kills bacteria in drinking water.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium Hypochlorite is a chemical compound.
The formula for Sodium Hypochlorite is NaOCl.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a halogen.
Chlorine belongs to the halogen group in the periodic table.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium Hypochlorite contains chlorine.
Sodium Hypochlorite releases chlorine when applied.
Chlorine
A highly irritating, greenish-yellow halogen element, existing as a diatomic gas, Cl2, and capable of combining with nearly all other elements, produced principally by electrolysis of sodium chloride and used widely to disinfect water, as a bleaching agent, and in the manufacture of many important compounds including chlorates, sodium hypochlorite, and chloroform. Atomic number 17; atomic weight 35.453; freezing point -100.5°C; boiling point -34.04°C; specific gravity 1.56 (-33.6°C); valence 1, 3, 5, 7. See Periodic Table.
Chlorine
A toxic, green, gaseous chemical element (symbol Cl) with an atomic number of 17.
Chlorine
(countable) A single atom of this element.
Chlorine
One of the elementary substances, commonly isolated as a greenish yellow gas, two and one half times as heavy as air, of an intensely disagreeable suffocating odor, and exceedingly poisonous. It is abundant in nature, the most important compound being common salt (Sodium chloride). It is powerful oxidizing, bleaching, and disinfecting agent. Symbol Cl. Atomic weight, 35.4.
Chlorine
A common nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; best known as a heavy yellow irritating toxic gas; used to purify water and as a bleaching agent and disinfectant; occurs naturally only as a salt (as in sea water)
Common Curiosities
How is Sodium Hypochlorite related to Chlorine?
Sodium Hypochlorite is a compound containing sodium, oxygen, and chlorine.
Is Chlorine used for cleaning purposes?
Yes, Chlorine is used in cleaning and disinfecting, often in water treatment.
Where is Chlorine found naturally?
Chlorine is typically found in minerals and salts, like common table salt (sodium chloride).
What is Chlorine?
Chlorine is a chemical element, a yellow-green gas at room temperature.
Is Sodium Hypochlorite harmful to humans?
In concentrated forms, it can be harmful and should be handled with care.
Can Chlorine exist in liquid form?
Chlorine can exist as a liquid under pressure or at low temperatures.
Can I use Sodium Hypochlorite for laundry?
Yes, Sodium Hypochlorite is commonly used as a bleaching agent in laundry.
Is Chlorine safe to handle directly?
No, Chlorine is highly reactive and can be dangerous; proper safety measures are needed.
Is Chlorine critical for human health?
Yes, in small amounts, chlorine is essential for digestive processes.
What is the physical state of Sodium Hypochlorite?
It is typically a liquid but can also be found in solid forms.
Is Sodium Hypochlorite used in swimming pools?
Yes, it's often used to disinfect and control algae in pools.
Are Chlorine and Sodium Hypochlorite expensive?
Generally, Chlorine and Sodium Hypochlorite are affordable and widely available.
How is Sodium Hypochlorite produced?
It is generally produced by combining chlorine with a solution of sodium hydroxide.
What is the atomic number of Chlorine?
Chlorine has an atomic number of 17.
What is the formula for Sodium Hypochlorite?
The chemical formula for Sodium Hypochlorite is NaOCl.
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