What is the Difference Between Sodium Chlorite and Sodium Hypochlorite?

Sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite are both sodium salts used in industries, but they have different chemical properties and uses. The key difference between the two lies in their molecular formulas: sodium chlorite has the formula NaClO2, while sodium hypochlorite has the formula NaClO.

Some key differences between sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite include:

• Disinfectant use: Both compounds are used as disinfectants, but sodium hypochlorite is more commonly known as bleach and is often used for general cleaning purposes. Sodium chlorite, on the other hand, is mainly used in paper manufacturing and as a disinfectant.
• Molar Mass: Sodium chlorite has a molar mass of 90.438 g/mol when it is anhydrous.
• Chemical Properties: Sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite are composed of Na, Cl, and O atoms, but they have different chemical structures and reactivities.
• Similarities: Both sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite are good disinfectants.

In summary, sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite are two distinct chemical compounds with different molecular formulas, disinfectant uses, and properties. While sodium hypochlorite is commonly known as bleach and used for general cleaning, sodium chlorite is primarily used in paper manufacturing and as a disinfectant.

Comparative Table: Sodium Chlorite vs Sodium Hypochlorite

Here is a table comparing the differences between sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite:

Sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite are both sodium salts used in industries, but they have different chemical properties and uses. Sodium chlorite contains chlorine atoms with a +3 oxidation state, while sodium hypochlorite contains chlorine atoms with a +1 oxidation state. Sodium chlorite is mainly used in paper manufacturing and as a disinfectant, whereas sodium hypochlorite is used as a disinfectant by dissolving it in water to form "liquid bleach".