Why is bleach so effective at killing mold and algua and whats the difference between bleach and chlorine?
In: Biology
Household cleanser bleach is the sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) molecule, while chlorine (Cl) by itself is an element.
Then there’s the chlorine used to treat swimming pools, which is calcium hypochlorite (CaOCl).
Bleach is dissolved in water while calcium hydroxide is sold as a solid pill or powder.
Both bleach and pool chlorine work the same way. Hypchlorite is a very strong base, but when it’s disolved in water it becomes hypochlorous acid (HOCl). And then hypochlorous acid breaks down into hydrochloric acid (HCl) and oxygen. Solo oxygen atoms very much want to combine with (oxidize) other things, and that’s what makes bleach such a powerful disinfectant and cleaner.
See [this page](https://www.lenntech.com/processes/disinfection/chemical/disinfectants-sodium-hypochlorite.htm) for more info.
Chlorine is a pure element, which is gaseous and highly toxic. Bleach (depending on which variety) is a combination of chlorine and other elements to make a concentrated, highly corrosive liquid (it is dissolved in water, or mixed with a carrier powder for solid variants).
Bleach, like other materials with a high pH (base, caustics), emulcifies organic compounds. Basically, it breaks them down into base elements – yes, it does this to your skin as well. That is why it is so good at killing microorganisms like bacteria and algea. Also, any compound with chlorine in it maintains the toxcicity of chlorine.
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