A chemical that is very useful in a healthcare setting and in our homes is bleach, sodium hypochlorite. The chemical formula for bleach is NaClO. What happens to bleach when it is dissolved in water? Based on the periodic table, which parts of the dissolved bleach is more electronegative and, hence, more likely to react. Solution Answer: When bleach is dissolved in water it slowly decomposes, releasing sodium ions, chloride ions, and hydroxyl radicals: NaClO + H2O Na+ + Cl + 2 HO• The hydroxyl radical (HO•) is more electronegative and can react with organic compounds. It oxidizes the organic compounds..