Sodium Hypochlorite is a disinfectant compound with the formula (NaOCl) and highly effective with use for purification of water. It also contains various other extensive uses such as bleaching and odor removal. A slightly yellowish with a characteristic odor is effectively helpful for extensive uses.
On the other hand, sulfonic acid belongs to organosulfur compounds having a general formula R-S(=O)2-OH, where R is an alkyl or aryl group. While S(=O)2-OH belongs to sulfonyl group. It is usually prepared by sulfonation of sulfur trioxide and arene. Being a strong acid, it is widely used in detergents, surfactants, dyes, and drugs.
As both of these compounds are highly effective and widely serves in various. Such as for purification and disinfectant purposes, so there arises a question. If these two would be able to mix together? Other than that,
How does Sodium Hypochlorite react with Sulfonic Acid?
Before, getting into the details for the answer to this question, it is necessary to keep in mind and consider conditions for the reaction. It is essential to understand the conditions first as both of the reactants brought together under extreme state.
Here are few important points to considers.
- Sulfonic acid contains bleaching properties thus using it in laundry will not harm in any way. When it is added in a washing machine filled with water, it combines with water forming a dilute solution. The dilute solution helps in cleaning clothes other than causing harm.
- Other than that, sodium hypochlorite and sulfonic acid can react in a more concentrated form. Thus, the reaction of both will produce a strong purifying agent.
The reaction of the two reactants is as follows:
Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) = Na+ + ClO- combined with Sulfonic acid (RSO3H) as
NaOCl = Na+ + ClO-
2 ClO- + RSO3H → Cl2 + RSO3H
The whole process requires a lot of time to come to an end and it is an extremely complicated process. However, one can generate Chlorine gas from this reaction. On the other hand, chlorine is highly effective in killing bacteria as well as it the main element of TCCA that also helps in killing bacteria. It also contains strong disinfectant properties and also contributes to cleaning water.
How both these benefit when combined together?
When both of the reactants the sulfonic acid and sodium hypochlorite combined together, they form a strong disinfectant and a purifying agent. It is thus able to be widely used in purifying and cleaning water as well as a strong bleaching and disinfectant.
Clearly, using both these reactants together is such a great help and used on a large-scale for various other purposes. Moreover, all of these compounds especially Chlorine gas is widely used in pools to kill bacteria and to make water disinfectant.
Its purifying properties, purify water naturally and make it free from bacteria and other pollutants. As well as chlorine also helps in purifying drinking water thus making it able to drink. Also, in purifying industrial water.
How Sodium Hypochlorite works in Swimming Pools?
In swimming pools, sodium hypochlorite acts as a disinfectant and an oxidant agent. Using it in pools help in such a way that it prevents the building up of microorganisms in water. Make it free from bacteria and germs, in other words, it provides a protective layer.
Sodium hypochlorite also efficiently works against Legionella bacteria and bio-films in which this bacterium can multiply. Thus, using it in water greatly helps in lowering the rate of increasing bacteria in water.
What Happens when Hypochlorite Dissolved in Water?
The caustic soda present in sodium hypochlorite increases the pH of water. When sodium hypochlorite mixed in water further two substances form. That is, Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl-)
Both of these two highly contribute to oxidation and as a disinfectant. As well as hypochlorous acid is more active as compared to Hypochlorite ion. Other than that, the pH of water determines how much hypochlorous acid is formed. While the hydrochloric acid lowers the pH.
Other than that, Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) can be used as an alternative for acetic acid. When sulfuric acid is used less harmful gasses are produced. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid that strongly reacts with bases and that is very corrosive. Thus, on dissolving in water it also highly contributes as a disinfectant and a purifying agent.
Conclusion
Sodium hypochlorite and Sulfonic acid both are highly powerful disinfectant, bleaching, and purifying agent. When both the react together they release chlorine gas, which also contributes to fighting against bacteria and killing bacteria. Other than that, sodium hypochlorite, sulfonic acid, and chlorine gas effectively helps in purifying water and make it clean to use.
When any of these is used in swimming pools all of these effectively help in killing bacteria and make water free from germs or infection causing particles. Thus, using it for this purpose is such a help for clearing and purifying water.
