Methyl hypochlorite is the simplest of the organic alkyl hypochlorites. It can be prepared by oxidizing strontium chlorate with hypochlorites. It is less aggressive than chlorine and more stable against light than hypochlorites. The alkali metal hypochlorites decrease in stability down the group. One of the best-known hypochlorites is NaClO, the active ingredient in bleach. It is thus an effective bleach and is mostly used to make hypochlorites. Solutions of hypochlorites can be produced by electrolysis of an aqueous chloride solution. Salts of hypochlorous acid are called hypochlorites. Hypochlorites are also widely used as broad spectrum disinfectants and deodorizers. Several hypochlorites can be formed by a disproportionation reaction between chlorine and metal hydroxides. Other notable examples have employed hypochlorites (Z = Cl) and chiral peroxides (Z = OR*). Hypochlorites are generally unstable and many compounds exist only in solution. Hypochlorites are also produced by the disproportionation of chlorine gas in alkaline solutions. In organic chemistry, hypochlorites can be used to oxidise primary alcohols to carboxylic acids.