Hypochlorite ion (ClO⁻)
- Charge
- −1
- Atoms
- Cl, O
- Atoms in total
- 2
- Mass of the ion
- 51.449 g/mol
Hypochlorite is a single chlorine atom bonded to a single oxygen atom, with a 1− charge. It comes from hypochlorous acid, HClO, when that acid loses its hydrogen ion. It is the active ingredient in household bleach, a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, and it disinfects drinking water and swimming pools.
- Hypo- means one oxygen fewer than the -ite ion, so hypochlorite, ClO⁻, has one oxygen fewer than chlorite, ClO₂⁻.
- Never mix bleach with acidic cleaners or ammonia, because the hypochlorite then releases toxic chlorine or chloramine gas.
- Calcium hypochlorite, Ca(ClO)₂, is the solid “pool chlorine” sold as granules and tablets.