Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), also known as liquid chlorine, is a yellowish-green aqueous oxidiser and disinfectant solution. It is mainly used for drinking water and pool disinfection, industrial water and wastewater treatment, textile and paper bleaching, and as an oxidising reagent in the chemical industry. Commercial solutions are referenced by their active chlorine content (for example 15%, 20% or 50%); the right grade depends on your dosing, logistics and storage setup.

What is sodium hypochlorite?

Sodium hypochlorite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaClO and CAS number 7681-52-9. It is supplied not as a solid but as an aqueous solution, whose disinfecting power is measured by its active (available) chlorine content. The grades in the KORKİMYA portfolio are greenish-yellow homogeneous liquids that contain a defined amount of free alkali (expressed as NaOH); this alkali helps stabilise the solution.

Sodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidiser: it inactivates microorganisms, breaks down organic contaminants and bleaches colourants. That same oxidising character is why the product is reactive towards light, heat and acids, which makes storage and handling conditions critical.

Key applications

Sodium hypochlorite serves disinfection and oxidation needs across a wide range of industries. According to KORKİMYA product data, the leading application areas are:

  • Disinfection of drinking water networks (registered disinfectant applications).
  • Disinfection and treatment of swimming pool water.
  • Industrial water treatment and sterilisation.
  • Bleaching of fabrics and pulp in the textile and paper industries.
  • Oxidising reagent in the chemical industry; oxidation step in the vitamin industry.
  • Disinfection of food facilities and equipment.
  • Wastewater and environmental disinfection.
İNORGANİK KİMYASALLARSodium Hypochlorite 20%The 20% grade for drinking water, pools, textile bleaching and industrial water treatment; an easy-to-dose, ready-to-use solution.

Technical properties and concentration

Sodium hypochlorite solutions are judged less by their label percentage than by their active chlorine content, on which the final dose is calculated. The KORKİMYA portfolio offers two main grades, both classified with the same CAS (7681-52-9), the same UN number (1791) and the same packing group (III). The table below compares the typical characteristics given in the product data:

PropertySodium Hypochlorite 20%Sodium Hypochlorite 50%
AppearanceGreenish-yellow homogeneous liquidLight yellow to greenish-yellow homogeneous liquid
Light transmittance coefficient (%)min. 20min. 50
Active chlorine concentration (g/dm³)min. 190min. 170
Alkali (as NaOH) (g/dm³)10 - 2020 - 30
Iron concentration, max. (g/dm³)0.020.02
CAS / UN7681-52-9 / 17917681-52-9 / 1791

The values in the table are taken from the product specifications. If you target a specific active chlorine range or a different concentration (for example 15%) for your application, you can share your requirement with our supply team.

İNORGANİK KİMYASALLARSodium Hypochlorite 50%The 50% grade, with a higher light transmittance coefficient and higher free alkali; for bleaching, food facilities and chemical processes.

Which grade should you choose?

Your dosing system, target active chlorine value and storage duration drive the choice. In practice, solutions with higher active chlorine carry more disinfection power in less volume; however, more concentrated solutions decompose faster and are more sensitive to heat and light, requiring more careful stock management. If you share your dosing automation, storage temperature and consumption rate, we can determine the right grade together.

Selection, storage and safety notes

Sodium hypochlorite is a corrosive oxidiser; it causes irritation or burns to skin and eyes. On contact with acids it releases toxic chlorine gas and must never be mixed with acids or organic substances. Always work with chemical-resistant gloves and eye/face protection in a well-ventilated area, and follow the product's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Stability is the most critical issue in sodium hypochlorite supply: the solution loses active chlorine over time under the influence of light, heat and metal ions (especially iron). The product specification limits iron content to a maximum of 0.02 g/dm³, and the free alkali in the solution supports stability. Storage essentials:

  • Store in closed, unheated warehouse areas protected from sunlight.
  • Use corrosion-resistant, rubber-lined steel tanks; containers lined with rubber, polyethylene or fibreglass, or polyethylene barrels.
  • Keep away from acids and organic substances; avoid reactive metals such as carbon steel.
  • Because active chlorine decreases over time, rotate stock quickly (FIFO) and rely on the current analysis values at delivery.

Sodium hypochlorite supply with KORKİMYA

KORKİMYA supplies sodium hypochlorite to industrial buyers in the water treatment, pool, textile/paper, food and chemical sectors. Each shipment is confirmed against the active chlorine, alkali and iron values in the product specification; on request, a certificate of analysis (CoA) and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are shared. You can submit your sample and quote request through a single form on the product pages.

  • Stock and regular shipment: supply for the 20% and 50% grades.
  • Documentation: batch-based CoA and current SDS; KKDIK-compliant supply.
  • Packaging options: rubber-lined tanks, corrosion-resistant containers and polyethylene barrels.
  • Sample and price quote: a fast response once you share your requirement (grade, volume, delivery point).