hypochlorous acid #CAS7790-92-3

hypochlorous acid #CAS7790-92-3

Hypochlorous acid, with the chemical formula HClO, is an unstable weak acid formed by dissolving chlorine gas in water. It is a colorless liquid, turning yellow at high concentrations due to the formation of chlorine monoxide. It partially ionizes to form hypochlorite ions (ClO−). Both HClO and ClO− are oxidizing agents and are used in chlorine disinfection. HClO cannot be purified from solution. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2) are used as bleaching agents, deodorants, and disinfectants.

At room temperature: It exists only in aqueous solution. The aqueous solution can be concentrated to a density of 1.282 (40.1%) in a vacuum. It decomposes and explodes when heated to 40℃. Color: Colorless (Chemicalbook) to pale yellow-green (the color change is because the reaction Cl₂ + H₂O = HClO + HCl is a reversible reaction, and the equilibrium state differs under different conditions; the yellow-green color is due to the presence of dissolved chlorine gas). Sodium hypochlorite is prohibited from direct use for air disinfection. It is suitable for disinfecting hard surfaces, hospital contaminated objects, white fabrics, and medical devices. It also has bleaching properties for textiles, but care must be taken regarding the mixing ratio and personal protective equipment when using it.

Sodium hypochlorite hydrolyzes to form hypochlorous acid, which further decomposes to form nascent oxygen. The extremely strong oxidizing properties of nascent oxygen denature proteins and other substances on bacteria and viruses, thus killing pathogenic microorganisms.

Sodium hypochlorite hydrolyzes to form hypochlorous acid, which further decomposes to form nascent oxygen. The extremely strong oxidizing properties of nascent oxygen denature proteins and other substances on bacteria and viruses, thus killing pathogenic microorganisms.

Hypochlorous acid can be found in the white blood cells of mammals, including humans. It is non-toxic and has been used for many years as a safe wound care solution.

Hypochlorous acid, when dissolved in water, has strong disinfecting properties and is non-toxic, making it considered an ideal cleaning and disinfectant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified it as an effective disinfectant against COVID-19, supported by clinical studies.

Because of its ability to penetrate pathogen membranes, it is also used as a commercial deodorant.

Application of hypochlorous acid 

Disinfectant. Because of its instability, hypochlorous acid is not used extensively as an oxidizing or bleaching agent. It was used mainly in the water treatment industry for slime control, for treatment of drinking water, and for sterilization of swimming pools. These applications have now been taken over by the more stable hypochlorites.