Known by its chemical name as calcium hypochlorite, bleaching powder is reckoned for its strong chlorine like smell. Its aqueous solution does not appear to be clear as this powder contains impurities. As an effective disinfectant, bleaching powder is used to disinfect water to make it suitable to be used as drinking water. Available in white powder form, this chemical easily dilutes in water, but it does not dilute in ether. Its standard has been checked as per its chemical composition, shelf life, possible toxic content etc.