Sodiumhypochlorite (NaOCl) is inorganic compound thatcontains sodium ions, hypochlorite ions, and chlorine atoms. In its pure form,it is an amber-colored liquid and has a pungent odor slightly resemblingchlorine gas, from which it derives its name. It has the chemical formula NaOClor (NaClO). Sodium hypochlorite can be easily decomposed by heating to producesodium chloride and sodium chlorate.