Chlorine and hypochlorite in water produce which compounds?

The reaction of chlorine and hypochlorite in water primarily leads to the formation of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion. When chlorine gas (Cl2) is dissolved in water, it can interact with the water to form hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Hypochlorous acid is an important chlorine compound due to its role as a disinfectant.

Additionally, when sodium hypochlorite (often the active ingredient in household bleach) is added to water, it dissociates to form hypochlorite ions (OCl-) in equilibrium with hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This equilibrium is crucial in wastewater treatment, as both forms contribute to disinfection processes.

Understanding this chemistry is important for wastewater operators, as controlling the concentration and pH can affect the efficiency of disinfection and the formation of chlorine-based compounds in treatment systems. Therefore, the correct identification of these compounds as hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion is essential in the context of water treatment practices and safety measures.