What is another name for bleach in the context of disinfection?

In the context of disinfection, bleach is commonly referred to as sodium hypochlorite. This chemical compound is widely used as a disinfectant and sanitizer due to its ability to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in water. Sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in household bleach, which typically contains a solution of approximately 3-8% sodium hypochlorite mixed with water.

While other options such as calcium hypochlorite are also used in disinfection processes—particularly in water treatment—sodium hypochlorite is most commonly recognized as bleach in everyday language. Calcium hypochlorite is a solid compound that releases chlorine when dissolved in water, making it suitable for different applications. Potassium chloride, on the other hand, is primarily used for purposes such as potassium supplementation, not disinfection. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent but operates through a different mechanism than chlorine-based disinfectants and does not share the common usage of bleach.

Understanding the primary chemical name associated with bleach is vital for operators in water treatment, as it helps ensure effective communication and accurate procedures in disinfection protocols.