Potassium hypochlorite

Potassium hypochlorite
Names
IUPAC name
Potassium hypochlorite
Other names
  • Hypochlorous acid, potassium salt (1:1)
  • Potassium chloroxide
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.029.008
EC Number
  • 231-909-2
UNII
UN number 1791
  • InChI=1/ClO.K/c1-2;/q-1;+1
    Key: SATVIFGJTRRDQU-UHFFFAOYAH
  • [K+].[O-]Cl
Properties
KOCl
Molar mass 90.55 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid (light yellow when impure) (aqueous solution)
Odor Pungent irritating chlorine-like (aqueous solution)
Density 1.160 g/cm3
Melting point −2 °C (28 °F; 271 K)
Boiling point 102 °C (216 °F; 375 K) (decomposes)
25%
Pharmacology
D08 (WHO)
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Warning
H336, H411
P261, P271, P273, P304+P340, P312, P391, P403+P233, P405, P501
Safety data sheet (SDS) MSDS
Related compounds
Other anions
Other cations
Related compounds
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Potassium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KOCl, also written as KClO. It is the potassium salt of hypochlorous acid. It consists of potassium cations (K+) and hypochlorite anions (OCl). It is used in variable concentrations, often diluted in water solution. Its aqueous solutions are colorless liquids (light yellow when impure) that have a strong chlorine smell. It is used as a biocide and disinfectant.