PECORA ET AL,1999 NaOCl + H2O « NaOH + HOCl « Na+ + OH- + H+ + OCl-
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE EXHIBITS DYNAMIC BALANCE
Saponification reaction
Sodium hypochlorite acts on fatty acids, transforming them into fatty acid salts (soap) and glycerol (alcohol), that reduces the surface tension of the remaining solution.
Neutralization reaction
NaOCl neutralizes amino acids and forms water and salt. With the exit of hydroxyl ions, there is a reduction of ph.
Chloramination reaction
Hypochlorous acid, present in NaOCl solution, when in contact with organic tissue acts as a solvent, releases chlorine that, combined with the protein amino group, forms chloramines, that interfere in cell metabolism.
Hypochlorous acid (hocl-) and hypochlorite ions (ocl-) lead to amino acid degradation and hydrolysis.
Chlorine (strong oxidant) presents antimicrobial action inhibiting bacterial enzymes leading to an irreversible oxidation of SH groups (sulphydryl group) of essential bacterial enzymes.
Braz Dent J (2002) 13(2): 113-117
