Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical compound: A hypochlorite is any salt or ester derived from hypochlorous acid. It contains the anion ClO⁻. Hypochlorites are commonly used as bleaching agents, disinfectants, and water purifiers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in many household bleaches.
  • Calcium hypochlorite is often used for sanitizing swimming pools.
  • The cleaning solution contains a small amount of hypochlorite.

Advanced Usage

• "Hypochlorite ion": Refers specifically to the ClO⁻ anion, which is the reactive species in hypochlorite solutions.
  • The disinfecting power comes from the hypochlorite ion.
• "Hypochlorite solution": A common term for a liquid containing dissolved hypochlorite salts, typically sodium hypochlorite in water.
  • The laboratory uses a dilute hypochlorite solution for surface decontamination.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypochlorous acid (noun): The parent acid (HClO) from which hypochlorites are derived.
  • Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid but a potent oxidizer.
• Chlorite (noun): A different oxyanion of chlorine (ClO₂⁻); note the spelling and chemical difference.
• Perchlorate (noun): Another oxyanion of chlorine (ClO₄⁻).

Synonyms

• Bleach (chemical): In common usage, "bleach" often refers specifically to a solution of sodium hypochlorite.
• Chlorine-based disinfectant: A descriptive term for its function.

Notes on Meaning

• The term hypochlorite refers strictly to the chemical compound. It is not used as a verb or adjective in standard English.
• It is important to distinguish it from similar-sounding compounds like chlorite or chlorate, which have different chemical structures and properties.

Noun

1. any salt or ester of hypochlorous acid