Hypochlorite = Miltons fluid (Bottle sterilising solution) = Bleach!Ed wrote: Anyway, see this as support for my theory of 'no bleach' and firm (but not hard) scrubbing in a mild detergent and warm water as being the only safe way to clean sails.
Actually produces free radical Oxygen, and therefore an Oxidising agent. In chemical terms, an "Electron donor." In common language, a Bleach.
All the Halides (Including Chloride) do this. Like Oxygen they are from the lighter elements on the Right hand side of the Periodic table.
Hypochlorite 2Na(HClO3-) will form H20 + 2NaCl + 3O2 (But in the reaction a substantial amount of the O2 is in its "Free radical" form (Not yet covalently bonded) and so forms a Strong, if short lasting bleach. The delight of Hypochlorite is that it leaves behend a neutral product.
In contrast, a Chlrine producing bleach makes Chlorine + Water => HCl and O2, leaving behind an Acid (Hydrochloric!)
