What happens when you mix caustic soda with sodium chloride?

When caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) is mixed with sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical reaction takes place. The products of this reaction are sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), water (H2O), and a small amount of hydrogen gas (H2).

The overall chemical equation for this reaction is:

$$2NaOH + 2NaCl → NaClO + NaCl + H2O + H2$$

In this reaction, the hydroxide ions (OH-) from the sodium hydroxide react with the sodium ions (Na+) from the sodium chloride to form water (H2O). The chloride ions (Cl-) from the sodium chloride react with the remaining hydroxide ions to form sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

The hydrogen gas that is produced during this reaction is a result of the oxidation of the water molecules. This reaction is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat.

The products of this reaction have various applications. Sodium hypochlorite is a powerful oxidizing agent that is commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. It is used in water treatment plants, swimming pools, and various household cleaning products. The hydrogen gas that is produced can be used as a fuel or as a reducing agent in various chemical processes.