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Bleaching Powder Formula

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Last updated date: 17th Apr 2024
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What is the Chemical Formula of Bleaching Powder ?

The chemical formula of bleaching powder or formula for Calcium hypochlorite will be explained right here along with the molecular structure that it has. It is important to note that the component Calcium hypochlorite is the main ingredient that is a part of the bleaching powder. Also, the main use of bleaching powder is for cleaning purposes and much more.


The bleaching powder formula states that it is an inorganic compound by nature. Calcium hypochlorite and bleaching powder are both often synonymously in use.

Molecular Formula of Bleaching Powder

Most students would want to know about the molecular chemistry formula of bleaching powder. So, here we are going to discuss that right now. Bleaching powder consists of 2 atoms of Chlorine. Amongst these two atoms, one is properly bonded to the atoms of Calcium. The other atom of Chlorine forms a bond with the atom of Oxygen.


For students who want to know the molecular formula of bleaching powder, it can be said that it is Ca(ClO)2. We can see that there is a mixture of Calcium atoms with Chlorine atoms and Oxygen atoms. This careful composition is what leads to the formation of bleaching powder as the main chemical component. The uses of bleaching powder are many as it is used in several industries as disinfectants and fertilizers as well. Students can gain more information about the composition and formula of bleaching powder from these notes.


The molecular mass of Bleaching powder is given to be 142.98 g/mol. Further below, we are going to discuss the chemical formula of calcium hypochlorite.

What Is The Formula of Bleaching Powder

The chemical formula of bleaching powder or more commonly Calcium Hypochlorite is Ca(ClO)2. Some details are also provided about the solubility of the bleaching powder. It is known to us that bleaching powder can be considered soluble in plain water. Also, this powder is used as an agent for bleaching in several textile industries. Apart from that, another one of the main uses of bleaching powder is that it acts as a particular agent of oxidizing and hence can be used for disinfecting materials in several industries.


For the synthesizing of bleaching powder, the chlorine gas is made to react with dry slaked lime. You need to stay tuned with us to find all the information about the different types of chemical components and their formulas. It is really important to know all the chemical formulas of the components because they are essential for scoring good marks. Students can very easily prepare for the exams with the help of the notes that we have.

Uses of Bleaching Powder 

There are various uses of bleaching powder in different industries. That is why it is necessary to understand the bleaching powder formula. Below are some of the most common uses of Bleaching Powder:

  • Bleaching powder is used in the textile industry to remove the colours from various textile products such as yarn, paper, and fibre. 

  • In the textile industry, bleaching powder is also used for the production of white clothes. The manufacturers also use it to remove the discolouration that occurs accidentally during the production of cloth.

  • The bleaching powder can kill germs present in water and disinfect it to make it drinkable. Only a pound of bleaching powder can clear around 10,000 gallons of water. 

  • Bleaching powder is one of the most powerful oxidising agents used in different industries. It creates hydrochloric acid and atomic oxygen when reacting with water, which can be used by paper, textile, detergent, and pulp industries during production. 

  • Many people use bleaching powder to sanitize and clean food preparing items. 

  • Bleaching powder is one of the main ingredients of Chloroform 

  • You can use the bleaching powder while washing clothes to get rid of the dirty stains.     

Properties of Bleaching Powder 

Following are the properties of Bleaching Powder: 

  • Bleaching powder has a pale yellowish colour. 

  • Bleaching powder has a pretty strong smell of chlorine.

  • Bleaching powder can be dissolved in cold water but not entirely. When you try to dissolve the powder in water, the small amount of lime present in the powder will remain insoluble. 

  • When bleaching powder reacts with sulphuric acid, the chlorine present in the compound will be released.  

  • Bleaching powder produces chlorine after reacting with dilute acids. 

  • The bleaching powder will go through oxidation and create calcium chlorate and calcium chloride when it is standing for a long period. It also reduces the bleaching effect of the powder.

Harmful Effects of Bleaching Powder 

Bleaching powder is used in many different areas for multiple purposes. However, there are also side effects of the bleaching powder if not used properly. Here are some of the harmful effects of this chemical compound: 

  • The exposure of bleaching powder to the human eye can be very dangerous. If affected, your eye might tear up and your vision will become blurry. 

  • Bleaching powder can irritate your mouth and throat but does not damage them severely. 

  • You should wash off your hands after using bleaching powder as too much exposure to chlorine can be harmful to the skin. It can cause permanent damage to the nerves.

Precautions to take while using Bleaching Powder

To avoid any harmful side effects from using bleaching powder, you must take some precautions. Here are some ways to prevent yourself from these effects of bleaching powder:

  • Never mix ammonia with bleaching powder as their reaction will create a deadly gas that can cause breathing problems. 

  • Keep bleaching powder away from your eyes and skin as it causes irritation and burns. 

  • Go to the medical room immediately if you have accidentally consumed the bleaching powder.   

  • If inhaled, bleaching powder can cause severe damage to the lungs. You should immediately go to the hospital and ask for oxygen support.

FAQs on Bleaching Powder Formula

1. What is the Chemical Composition of Bleaching Powder?

The chemical composition of bleaching powder is Ca(ClO)2. Also known as Calcium Hypochlorite, this is an inorganic compound that uses Calcium, Chlorine, and Oxygen to form bonds and create this bleaching agent. The chemical composition of bleaching powder is insoluble. Bleaching powder has many different uses in several industries. It is often called the chloride of lime as it is made from slaked lime that contains moisture. It is the by-product of the reaction between chlorine gas and calcium hydroxide.

2. Explain the Process of Preparation of Bleaching Powder.

The synthesizing of bleaching powder takes place when the chlorine gas that is produced properly from the process of Chlor-alkali is made to react effectively with dry slaked lime. The chemical formula for dry slaked lime is (Ca(OH)2). To explain better, we are providing a representation of the formula right here so that you can understand it in a better way.


Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 + H2


By using the formula above, you can prepare bleaching powder and use it for different purposes.

3. What are the Different Uses of Bleaching Powder?

Bleaching powder is often used as an agent for bleaching dirty clothes. This product is often used in the linen and cotton cloths of the textile industry. Bleaching powder proves to be a very strong agent for oxidizing and hence can be used as such. Here are some other uses of bleaching powder:

  • It is widely used to disinfect water and make it safe for drinking.

  • Paper manufacturers use bleaching powder to bleach the wood pulp. 

  • Bleaching powder can make wool unshrinkable.         

4. How can I learn the Bleaching Powder Formula?

You can learn the Bleaching Powder Formula from Vedantu’s online learning platform. To study this topic, you can visit our official website, Vedantu.com, or download our mobile application available on the play store and app store. The notes on Bleaching Powder Formula are available on our website for absolutely free. Moreover, you can learn other topics of Chemistry from our e-learning platform without paying any registration fees. You will find revision notes, sample papers, important topics, and much more only on Vedantu’s website. Any student can get access to these study materials from anywhere in the world.

5. Why should I learn the Bleaching Powder Fdiscussormula?

You have to learn the Bleaching Powder Formula for many reasons. By understanding this formula, you can enhance your knowledge of the Chemistry subject. Bleaching powder formula is one of the most important topics to learn in Chemistry. Bleaching powder is used in many industries for different purposes and you should have a clear understanding of its formula. Whether you are working in the chemical industry or textile industry, you must know everything about bleaching powder.