Conditions under which sodium hydroxide react with chlorine to form sodium hypochlorite
Generally, Cl2 bubbled through cold NaOH solutions produce NaOCl.and NaCl.
Cl2 bubbled through hot NaOH solutions produce NaClO3
Condition under which sodium hydroxide reacts with chlorine to form sodium hypochlorite
The reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and chlorine (Cl2) to form sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) typically occurs under the following conditions:
1. Temperature: The reaction is typically carried out at room temperature, around 25-30 degrees Celsius.
2. Concentration: Both sodium hydroxide and chlorine are usually used in concentrated forms to facilitate the reaction. Sodium hydroxide is typically used as a concentrated solution, while chlorine is either in gaseous form or dissolved in water to form chlorine water (Cl2 + H2O).
3. Stoichiometry: The stoichiometric ratio for the reaction is 1 mol of sodium hydroxide to 1 mol of chlorine.
4. Mixing: Sodium hydroxide solution and chlorine gas (or chlorine water) are mixed together in appropriate proportions.
5. Reaction vessel: The reaction is usually carried out in a closed vessel to prevent the escape of chlorine gas and keep the reaction environment controlled.
Once sodium hydroxide and chlorine are brought together, they react to form sodium hypochlorite according to the following balanced chemical equation:
2 NaOH + Cl2 → NaOCl + NaCl + H2O
In this reaction, sodium hydroxide reacts with chlorine to produce sodium hypochlorite, sodium chloride (NaCl), and water (H2O) as byproducts.
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) can react with chlorine (Cl2) to form sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), under specific conditions. The reaction is as follows:
2NaOH + Cl2 -> NaOCl + NaCl + H2O
To determine the conditions under which this reaction occurs, we need to understand the principle behind it, known as "chlor-alkali process."
The chlor-alkali process involves the electrolysis of a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, which produces chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide, and hydrogen gas. This process is conducted in a device called an electrolytic cell, which consists of two electrodes (a negatively charged cathode and a positively charged anode) immersed in the electrolyte solution.
To obtain sodium hypochlorite from the reaction of sodium hydroxide and chlorine, the chlor-alkali process can be modified by direct interaction of chlorine with sodium hydroxide:
1. Concentration of Sodium Hydroxide: First, a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide is prepared. The concentration of NaOH should be higher than the standard solution (typically 10-15% NaOH).
2. Addition of Chlorine: Chlorine gas (Cl2) is then introduced into the sodium hydroxide solution. The chlorination process requires careful control to ensure the proper stoichiometric ratio is maintained.
3. Mixing and Reaction: The sodium hydroxide and chlorine are thoroughly mixed together. This can be accomplished by stirring or passing the gases through the solution.
4. Reaction Time and Temperature: The reaction between sodium hydroxide and chlorine is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. Providing adequate time and temperature allows for the completion of the reaction. The precise reaction time and temperature may vary depending on the desired concentration of sodium hypochlorite.
By following these steps, sodium hypochlorite can be produced through the reaction of sodium hydroxide and chlorine. It's worth noting that this reaction is typically carried out in industrial settings, as working with chlorine gas requires caution and expertise due to its toxic nature.