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Lowering pH of sodium hypochlorite

Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2020 6:09 pm
by deleted-895310
Hello :) I would like to lower the pH of sodium hypochlorite (with vinegar) to reach the required pH of Hypochlorous acid presence. Is there anything I need to be cautious of (e.g. byproducts, heat, etc.)? Thanks.

Re: Lowering pH of sodium hypochlorite

Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2020 10:34 am
by deleted-718508
Hi sh415,

Combining bleach (sodium hypochlorite) with an acid (such as vinegar) will release chlorine gas, which is highly toxic. I would advise against doing so.

This forum is intended for students, parents, and teachers working on K-12 science projects. If your question is related to a science project, please post some details such as your hypothesis, research question or experimental plan.

Best,
Charles

Re: Lowering pH of sodium hypochlorite

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:10 pm
by deleted-895310
I will only acidify very diluted bleach in a ventilated space. What is the equation for vinegar and bleach that shows Cl2 gas as a byproduct?

Re: Lowering pH of sodium hypochlorite

Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 2:09 pm
by deleted-718508
2HOCl + 2HAc ↔ Cl2 + 2H2O + 2Ac- (Ac : CH3COO)

Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/mixing-bleach ... gar-609281

What are you trying to achieve with this? What is your science project or hypothesis?