What changes with just one letter difference? The chemical formulas and legal treatments are for different substances. We will compare the properties of sodium hypochlorite and sodium chlorite.
Sodium hypochlorite is a chlorine-based compound used for bleaching and disinfection. Its main applications include bleaching of textiles and food, as well as surface treatment of semiconductors. In Japan, it is designated as one of the bleaching agents and disinfectants for food additives. As a substance, it is a slightly hygroscopic white crystal or flake. ■ What is the difference between having "hypo" and not having it? When arranged in chemical formulas, the differences become clear. 1. Sodium hypochlorite: NaClO 2. Sodium chlorite: NaClO2 ■ The number of oxygens and the oxidation state of chlorine The difference lies in whether one or two oxygens are bonded to one chlorine. When calculating with sodium at +1 and oxygen at -2, the oxidation state of chlorine is +1 in sodium hypochlorite and +3 in sodium chlorite. Although the names differ by one character, they are distinct substances. ■ What is the history as a food additive? Sodium chlorite was designated as a food additive in 1948, while sodium hypochlorite was designated in 1950. Both have been used as chlorine compounds for a long time, but the regulations for their use are significantly different. Please feel free to consult us first.
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■What is produced when mixed with acid? The gas produced when in contact with acid is also different. 1. Sodium hypochlorite: Chlorine gas 2. Sodium chlorite: Chlorine dioxide ■What should not be mixed? Sodium chlorite produces toxic and explosive gas (chlorine dioxide) when in contact with acid. Particularly, it should not be mixed with strong acids and reducing agents. Avoid contact with flammable materials as well. ■Which one is classified as a toxic substance? According to the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law, sodium chlorite and formulations containing it are designated as deleterious substances. However, those containing 25% or less sodium chlorite and explosives are excluded. On the other hand, sodium hypochlorite is not designated as a deleterious substance under the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law. ■How is it treated under the Fire Service Act? Sodium chlorite falls under the first category (oxidizing solids) of the Fire Service Act as "chlorite salts." It is classified as an oxidizing substance that may promote fire, so care is needed regarding storage locations and containers. Additionally, under transportation regulations, aqueous solutions are also classified as corrosive substances.
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■Which one can be used in food? Both are food additives, but their usage ranges differ. The former, sodium hypochlorite, can be used in foods except for sesame, with no quantity restrictions. Sodium chlorite is limited to specific foods such as citrus fruit peels (for confectionery production), cherries, and raw vegetables, and if used, it must be decomposed or removed before the final food product is completed. Even though their names are similar, they cannot be used interchangeably. ■What is "chlorite" that you see in tap water? In tap water, chlorine dioxide is used for disinfection, which produces chlorite as a byproduct. Therefore, chlorite is set as a water quality management target item, with a target value of 0.6 mg/L or less. In contrast, sodium hypochlorite produces chlorate through decomposition during storage, which is a water quality standard item (0.6 mg/L or less). ■Consultation on the dilution of toxic substances In addition to supplying water treatment chemicals, our company also accepts consultations for diluting chemicals classified as toxic to a specified concentration for delivery. The concentration that falls outside the toxic category is determined for each substance, so we will make suggestions after confirming the standards of the chemicals used. Please feel free to consult with us first.
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