What is Calcium Hypochlorite? Calcium hypochlorite is a chemical compound that has the formula Ca(ClO)2.
It is commonly referred to as bleaching powder or calcium oxychloride. It is an ionic compound that is made up of a calcium cation (Ca2+) and two hypochlorite anions (ClO–). Despite being quite stable at room temperatures, calcium hypochlorite slowly decomposes in moist environments, giving it a characteristic ‘chlorine’ smell.
Calcium Hypochlorite Preparation It is commercially available in its anhydrous and hydrated forms and is one of the key ingredients of chlorine powder and bleaching powder. Ca(ClO)2 is produced on an industrial scale via the reaction of chlorine gas with calcium hydroxide.