calcium hypochlorite

Calcium hypochlorite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(ClO)2. It appears as a white solid or granules and has a strong chlorine odor due to its slow decomposition in moist air. Calcium hypochlorite is primarily used as an oxidizing agent and disinfectant, serving as the main active ingredient in commercial bleaching powder for water treatment, swimming pool sanitation, and general disinfection. In medicine, it has been indicated experimentally as an antiseptic for wound care. Its mechanism of action involves the release of chlorine upon decomposition in water, which acts as a potent oxidizer to destroy bacteria and other pathogens by denaturing proteins and disrupting cellular processes[2][5][8]. The toxic effects are mainly due to its corrosive properties; it can cause tissue damage through liquefaction necrosis if ingested or contacted at high concentrations[1].

Brand names

bleaching powder

Other names

chloride of limechlorinated limehipoclorito calcicohypochlorite de calciumhypochlorous acid, calcium salt