Calcium hypochlorite

CAS: 7778-54-3

Overview

Calcium hypochlorite (CAS 7778-54-3 ), also known as bleaching powder, is a high-active chlorine compound used as a disinfectant, oxidizer, and bleaching agent across municipal, industrial, and food processing operations.

It delivers rapid microbial kill and oxidative action at relatively low application concentrations. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to liquid chlorine for many facilities requiring reliable sanitation.

In water treatment, it is dosed into municipal drinking water systems, swimming pools, and wastewater facilities. These applications help achieve reliable disinfection and consistent algae control in various environments.

Food processing plants use it to sanitize surfaces, equipment, and produce wash water in compliance with food safety protocols. This ensures that microbial levels remain within safe limits during production.

Textile and paper manufacturers apply it to bleach natural fibers and pulp. This process achieves consistent whiteness without the handling complexity often associated with gaseous chlorine systems.

Personal care and household cleaning product formulators incorporate it into disinfecting powders and hard-surface cleaners. It is preferred where sustained chlorine release is required for long-term efficacy.

Calcium hypochlorite is supplied as granules, tablets, and powder, with active chlorine content typically ranging from 65% to 70%. Food-grade and technical-grade designations are standard across the market.

Tablet forms are common for pool and water treatment applications due to controlled dissolution rates. These formats allow for precise dosing and easier handling in industrial and commercial settings.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	100 °C
Density	2.35 g/cm³
Appearance	Calcium hypochlorite is a white powder, granule, or pellets with a strong chlorine-like odor.
Color	White to off-white or faint green
Odor	Chlorine-like odor
Form	Tablets
Water Solubility	200 g/L (20 ºC) (dec.)
Refractive Index	1.545

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS03 GHS05 GHS07 GHS09 GHS06 GHS08 Hazard Statements H271 May cause fire or explosion; strong Oxidizer H272 May intensify fire; oxidizer H302 Harmful if swallowed H313 May be harmful in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 Causes serious eye damage H330 Fatal if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H371 May cause damage to organs H400 Very toxic to aquatic life H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P220 Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P283 Wear fire-resistant/flame-retardant clothing. P284 In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P320 Specific treatment is urgent (see … on this label). P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P420 Store away from other materials. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P306+P360 IF ON CLOTHING: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P371+P380+P375 Evacuate area.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	28281000
UN Number	1748
ADR Class	5.1
Packing Group	II
Storage Class	5.1A - Strongly oxidizing hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)	2

Other Names

Industries

Food & Nutrition Textile, Leather & Paper Personal Care & Cosmetics Water Treatment