Bleaching Powder is a non-organic substance with the formula Ca(OCl)2. Despite the golden appearance of commercial samples, it is a white solid. It has a distinct chlorine odor because of how slowly it breaks down in damp air. In comparison to sodium hypochlorite, this chemical has more accessible chlorine and is more stable as a solid and solution. Common applications of Bleaching Powder include disinfecting drinking water and sanitizing public pools.