Final answer:
Sodium hypochlorite is a disinfectant that belongs to the class of halogens, widely used as liquid bleach for its germicidal properties due to chlorine release.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sodium hypochlorite belongs to the class of disinfectants known as halogens. It is most commonly found as liquid bleach and is widely used as a disinfectant and a bleaching agent. Its effectiveness as a germicide comes from its ability to release chlorine, which is the active principle in bleaching and antimicrobial products. Additionally, sodium hypochlorite is used as a commercial bleach and germicide, produced by the electrolysis of cold, dilute, aqueous sodium chloride solutions, leading to the production of hypochlorous acid when chlorine gas reacts with water. This acid is a powerful oxidant and is the component responsible for the antimicrobial effects of products like household bleach and those used for water treatment.