Nomenclature
CAS number: 7778-54-3
Bleaching powder.
Description and references
Improperly called “chloride of lime” or “calcium oxychloride”. A relatively unstable chlorine carrier in solid form;
a complex chemical compd of indefinite composition, presumably consisting
of varying proportions of Ca(OCl)2, CaCl2, Ca(OH)2 and H2O in its molecular structure. Maximum available
chlorine content approaches 39%. Commercial products usually range
between 24% and 37% of available chlorine.
Properties
White or grayish-white powder; strong odor of
chlorine. On exposure to air it becomes moist and rapidly decomposes.
Most of it dissolves in water or alcohol. Keep dry and tightly closed.Caution
Strong solns irritate skin. Inhalation
of fumes may cause laryngeal and pulmonary irritation, pulmonary edema,
death. Ingestion may produce severe oral, esophageal, gastric irritation.Use
Bleaching of wood pulp, linen, cotton, straw, oils,
soaps, and in laundering; oxidizer in calico printing to obtain white
designs on a colored ground; destroying caterpillars; disinfecting
drinking water, sewage, etc.; as a decontaminant for mustard gas and
similar substances.
Therapeutic Category
Disinfectant.
Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)
Disinfectant for premises. Has been
used as a topical antiseptic for superficial wounds.
Keywords
Antiseptic/Disinfectant; Halogens/Halogen Containing Compounds