What is sodium hypochlorite commonly used for?

Sodium hypochlorite is primarily recognized for its use as a disinfectant, particularly in household bleach formulations which often contain around a 10% concentration of this compound. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, by disrupting their cellular processes and damaging their cellular structures. As a powerful oxidizing agent, it is widely utilized in both industrial and residential settings for sanitation purposes, making it a staple in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, water treatment, and even in some healthcare environments to ensure sterility and hygiene.

In contrast, sodium hypochlorite is not suitable as a nutrient medium for bacteria, as it would inhibit microbial growth rather than support it. It is also not typically used as a stabilizing agent in chemical reactions, nor is it an antibiotic treatment, as it does not target specific microbial cells or exhibit selective antimicrobial activity like traditional antibiotics do.