Hypochlorous acid
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| Names | |
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IUPAC name
hypochlorous acid, chloric(I) acid, chloranol, hydroxidochlorine
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| Other names
Hydrogen hypochlorite, Chlorine hydroxide
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| Identifiers | |
7790-92-3 
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| 3D model (Jmol) | Interactive image |
| ChEBI |
CHEBI:24757
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| ChemSpider |
22757
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.029.302 |
| EC Number | 232-232-5 |
| PubChem | 24341 |
| UNII |
712K4CDC10
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| Properties | |
| HOCl | |
| Molar mass | 52.46 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless aqueous solution |
| Density | Variable |
| Soluble | |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.53 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards |  O |
| Related compounds | |
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Related compounds
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Chlorine Calcium hypochlorite Sodium hypochlorite |
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Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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 (what is  ?) |
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| Infobox references | |
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with the chemical formula HClO. It forms when chlorine dissolves in water, and itself partially dissociates in water, into hypochlorite (-) and hydronium ions. It is HClO and OCl- that are the primary agents for disinfection when chlorine is used to disinfect water for human use. It cannot be isolated in pure form due to rapid equilibration with its precursor. HClO is an oxidizer, and in its sodium salt form sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), or in its calcium salt form calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), can be used as a bleach, a deodorant, and a disinfectant.
In organic synthesis, HClO converts alkenes to chlorohydrins.
In biology, hypochlorous acid is generated in activated neutrophils by myeloperoxidase-mediated peroxidation of chloride ions, and contributes to the destruction of bacteria.
In the cosmetics industry it is used as a skin cleansing agent, which benefits the body's skin rather than causing drying. It is also used in baby products, because baby skin is particularly sensitive and can be easily irritated.
In water treatment, hypochlorous acid is the active sanitizer in hypochlorite-based products (e.g. used in swimming pools).
In food service and water distribution, specialized equipment to generate weak solutions of HClO from water and salt is sometimes used to generate adequate quantities of safe (unstable) disinfectant to treat food preparation surfaces and water supplies.
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