What is the chemical formula for calcium hypochlorite?

Calcium hypochlorite is a chemical compound used primarily as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. Its chemical formula is indeed represented as Ca(OCl)2 or equivalently as CaOCl2.

The presence of calcium (Ca) along with the hypochlorite ions (OCl-) accounts for its structure. Each molecule contains one calcium atom, and it is bonded to two hypochlorite ions, thus reinforcing the chemical composition given by the formula.

When comparing it to other choices, each option represents distinct compounds with different chemical properties and uses. For instance, CaCl2 is calcium chloride, NaClO is sodium hypochlorite, and Ca(OH)2 is calcium hydroxide. Each of these has unique applications in chemical processes, but they do not correspond to the structure of calcium hypochlorite. Understanding the distinct composition of calcium hypochlorite helps clarify why CaOCl2 is the correct formula for this specific compound.