Hypochlorous acid

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Hypochlorous-acid-2D-dimensions.svg

Chemical compound


Hypochlorous acid
IUPAC Name: Hypochlorous acid
Other Names: Chloric(I) acid
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem 24341
ChemSpider 22788
SMILES OCl
InChI 1S/ClHO/c1-2/h2H
InChIKey QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
StdInChI 1S/ClHO/c1-2/h2H
StdInChIKey QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Properties
Chemical formula CHNO
Appearance Colorless aqueous solution
Density 1.0 g/cm³ (solution)
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Solubility Miscible with water
Hazards
Main Hazards Corrosive, oxidizer
Flash Point
Autoignition Temperature


Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a weak acid that forms when chlorine dissolves in water. It is an oxidizer and is used as a disinfectant. Hypochlorous acid is the active ingredient in bleach and is also produced by the human immune system to kill pathogens.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Hypochlorous acid has the chemical formula HClO and a molar mass of 52.46 g/mol. It is a colorless aqueous solution that is miscible with water. As a weak acid, it partially dissociates in water to form the hypochlorite ion (ClO⁻) and a hydrogen ion (H⁺).

Production[edit | edit source]

Hypochlorous acid is produced by dissolving chlorine gas (Cl₂) in water: <math>Cl_2 + H_2O \rightarrow HClO + HCl</math>

It can also be produced by the reaction of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with a weak acid, such as acetic acid: <math>NaOCl + CH_3COOH \rightarrow HClO + CH_3COONa</math>

Uses[edit | edit source]

Hypochlorous acid is widely used for its disinfectant properties. It is effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is used in various applications, including:

  • Water treatment: Used to disinfect drinking water and swimming pools.
  • Healthcare: Used for wound care and as a disinfectant in hospitals.
  • Food industry: Used to sanitize food preparation surfaces and equipment.

Biological Role[edit | edit source]

In the human body, hypochlorous acid is produced by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, during the immune response. It plays a crucial role in the destruction of pathogens through a process known as the respiratory burst.

Safety and Handling[edit | edit source]

Hypochlorous acid is a corrosive substance and an oxidizer. It should be handled with care, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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