Sodium hypochlorite 10%, often referred to as Eau de Javel, is a versatile laboratory chemical with a wide range of applications. In addition to its role as a powerful oxidizing agent capable of oxidizing organic and inorganic substances, it is also used as an effective bleaching and disinfecting agent. It reacts with microorganisms and leads to their inactivation and elimination, making it a valuable tool in water treatment processes.

A particular application of sodium hypochlorite is the preparation of skeletal structures in biological samples. It efficiently dissolves tissue and gently exposes skeletal structures or sclerites of organisms, such as octocorals. It should be noted that reaction conditions must be controlled to ensure that only the desired tissue is removed and that the structures being prepared remain intact. After treatment with sodium hypochlorite, clearly defined and unaltered skeletal structures result, which is essential for accurate scientific analysis and documentation.