Asked by Amy

The question is:
What would happen if you tested bleach with a pH indicator and why?

I know that it would turn out with a pH of approx. 12, but I have no idea why.

Help please?
Answered by DrBob222
I suspect if you tested bleach with pH indicator that it would be bleached. It will bleach litmus paper but I've not tried it on liquid indicator.
Answered by Amy
What I mean by 'why' is why is it a base? What in it's chemical formula is the reason for its pH levels?

Is that more clear?
Answered by DrBob222
There are all kinds of bleaches. Many of the chlorine bleaches contain NaOCl as the active ingredient. NaOCl hyrolyzes in water solution as
OCl^- + HOH ==> HOCl + OH^-
So the pH is basic because this reaction releases OH ions.
Answered by DrBob222
A second reason, and perhaps more important than the first, is that Cl2 gas is passed through NaOH to make the NaOCl. Here is a site where you can read more about it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hypochlorite
Answered by Jamie
If you tested bleach with an indicator, it would be a BASE with a high pH, because it is a very strong cleaning product.
There are no AI answers yet. The ability to request AI answers is coming soon!