Neutralize chlorine solution with sodium percarbonate solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of neutralizing a 3% sodium hypochlorite solution using an 85% sodium percarbonate solution. Participants explore the appropriate proportions for this neutralization and the safety of performing the reaction outdoors, particularly in relation to protecting surrounding vegetation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of neutralizing sodium hypochlorite with sodium percarbonate, suggesting both are oxidizing agents.
  • Another participant references experiments with sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide, proposing a similar reaction outcome with sodium percarbonate.
  • A different viewpoint expresses concern over the inability to achieve exact stoichiometry in the reaction, suggesting that excess sodium hypochlorite or peroxide could be harmful to vegetation.
  • Some participants mention alternative methods for decomposing sodium hypochlorite, including the use of heavy metals or exposure to sunlight, noting potential byproducts that could be harmful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness or safety of using sodium percarbonate to neutralize sodium hypochlorite, with multiple competing views and concerns raised throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of the chemical interactions involved, including the potential for harmful byproducts and the challenges of achieving precise proportions in the reaction.

xilix
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Hello,

Would it be feasible to neutralize the effects of a 3% sodium hypochlorite and water solution by adding an appropriate proportion of an 85% sodium percarbonate powder and water? What would the appropriate proportion be to facilitate this premise? Would the resulting reaction be safe if performed in an open outside environment?

I will be using the chlorine solution to clean algae off of my roof but i am worried the SH solution will damage my plants. So the idea is to soak the surrounding vegetation with a sodium percarbonate and water solution that is proportionally correct to accomplish this task.

Thank you.
 
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Unless I am missing something you are talking about two oxidizing agents, so no, I don't see how it could work.
 
Hmm, I have seen experiments done with chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) and hydrogen peroxide (H202) with the product of the reaction being a release of 02 and salt water. Based on that, I figured that mixing the two mentioned solutions would have a similar end result.
 
On the second thought, in correct conditions hydrogen peroxide can work as a reducing agent. Still, I don't like the outcome - as it is impossible to follow the exact stoichiometry, you are left with the excess of either hypochlorite of peroxide, neither is a thing I would like on my grass. If anything, sodium sulfite would be much safer, at least IMHO.
 
OK, there are heavy metals that decompose NaOCl, but I agree (especially Copper Oxide and other copper salts which are generally deadly to lower organisms, fungi, fish,...) you may not want on your lawn.

However, Fe2O3 will also decompose, albeit slowly, NaOCl and Iron is certainly more acceptable.

The ultimate green solution is to expose the NaOCl to direct sunlight, resulting in NaCl and liberating O2. However, in diffused light it is possible that some Sodium Chlorate (a weed killer) will be formed (as a result of the disproportionation of the NaClO).
 

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