In the case of bleach (NaClO), why does the oxygen leave this molecule to react with other things? I understand that bleach leaves a NaCl residue and that the oxygen portion of bleach is responsible for its ability to kill bacteria and oxidize various other chemicals. I only ask this due to the fact that oxygen is bonded to chlorine in this instance where chlorine is quite electronegative. Wouldn't it be more attracted to the chlorine? Or is this an energy scenario where oxygen leaves to achieve a lower energy maybe? I guess I'm missing the big picture. Anyone care to enlighten me on this subject?