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Hypochlorous acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
HClO
CAS number
7790-92-3
IUPAC name
hypochlorous acid
State
State

At room temperature, hypochlorous acid is found in liquid form as an aqueous solution. It is typically prepared in a diluted state due to its instability and decomposes easily into chlorine gas.

Melting point (Celsius)
-101.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
172.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
-19.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
254.15
General information
Molecular weight
52.46g/mol
Molar mass
52.4600g/mol
Density
1.0004g/cm3
Appearence

Hypochlorous acid is a clear, colorless solution. In its pure form, it is typically unstable, existing primarily in dilute aqueous solutions. These solutions may have a faint bleach-like smell due to the presence of chlorine-containing compounds.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a fascinating compound when it comes to its solubility properties. This compound is known for being highly soluble in water, which makes it useful in various applications, particularly in disinfectants and sanitizers.

Key Characteristics of Solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Hypochlorous acid readily dissolves in water, with solubility exceeding 1000 g/L at room temperature.
  • pH Dependency: The solubility of HClO can vary based on the pH of the solution, as it exists in equilibrium with its ions in aqueous solutions.
  • Temperature Effects: Increased temperature typically enhances the solubility of HClO, a common trend among many acids.
  • Ionization: Hypochlorous acid partially ionizes to form H+ and ClO-, contributing to its effectiveness in biological systems.

In practice, the physiological solubility of hypochlorous acid is essential, as it plays a critical role in its antibacterial properties. The phrase "soluble means accessible" rings true here, highlighting how its solubility facilitates effective disinfection and pathogen control. However, caution is warranted, as in concentrated forms, it can be corrosive and thus should always be handled with care.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a fascinating compound with a range of applications and unique properties that are noteworthy for both scientists and students.

Key Characteristics

  • Natural Occurrence: Hypochlorous acid is produced naturally in the human body during the immune response when white blood cells combat pathogens. This makes it an important player in our body's defense mechanism.
  • Disinfectant Properties: Its effectiveness as a disinfectant is widely recognized; HOCl is often used in various sanitation applications, including water treatment and surface disinfection, making it extremely valuable in public health.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Unlike many synthetic disinfectants, hypochlorous acid breaks down into non-toxic byproducts, which makes it a safer alternative for both humans and the environment.

Applications and Uses

  • Medical Uses: In the medical field, HOCl is being researched and utilized for its wound healing properties and its role in oral hygiene products.
  • Food Safety: It is also utilized in the food industry for sanitizing equipment and surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
  • Agricultural Applications: In agriculture, this compound is effective for disinfecting irrigation water and maintaining crop health.

Fun Fact

Despite its powerful antimicrobial properties, hypochlorous acid is gentle enough to be used in products for sensitive skin, such as cosmetic and skincare lines.

"Hydration and balance are key in nature, just as hypochlorous acid balances its potent oxidative properties with safety." – Anonymous

In summary, hypochlorous acid is not just a chemical compound; it is a multifunctional agent that plays critical roles in health, hygiene, and environmental safety.

Synonyms
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
7790-92-3
HOCl
HClO
chloranol
Comfosy
hydroxidochlorine
hypochloric acid
Chlor(I)-saeure
EINECS 232-232-5
hypochlorige Saeure
UNII-712K4CDC10
CHEBI:24757
712K4CDC10
DTXSID3036737
(ClOH)
[ClOH]
hypochlrous
Champuregreen
Deodorizer
Leucillin
Sufiya
Mediaqua premium
Dr.Devirus
Hi Cleaner
VIRURcatcher
Zero Hazard
Vi-trap
All Clean Water
EKO Disinfectant
Hand Disinfectant
HCIO disnfectant
Vi-Clean
HClO disinfectant
Hi Hand Clean
Electrolyzed Water
SANe Water
Family Disinfectant
JIKIMI Phytoncide
Bactistop 100
Bactistop 500
Disinfection-Tablets
Vitaplus eco hygiene
Disinfectant Solution
ALLVIRUSU
EANCLEAN
ENACLEAN
MEDIBLUE
MISTTHIRTY
PURECLE
PUREHOCL
SAERASU
SIBARC
SSACSU
AN XIN Disinfectant
Hand Sanitizer HOCL
Chlorinie disinfectant
PHYSICAL WATER
Dr VIRURSOLUTION
CLAON HOCL
DEMON GUN
Dr VIRUR SAFE
H BIOTICS
PURO MEDI
SHIELD V
Huaqingyuan Disinfectant
Multi-Purpose Sanitiser
SSACSU Hand sanitizer
V CIDER
GOOD BYE-RUS
HUUREKA SANITIZER
Sanit-Aqua (Sanitizer)
Aeidar Hand Disinfectant
HICC Kitchen Deodorizer
HOCl(Hypochlorous acid)
Sanitizer RefreshingSpray
S9 SOSEANG-SU
DEZINFEKCE Disinfectant
ECOTOK MAGIC WATER
Solenal SuLv Disinfectant
INCARE All in one Plus
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
Pet deodorant care solution
Noblips JB-100 Sanitizer
AbsoClean-S Sanitizing Mist
CLOH Living Hand Sanitizer
High Efficiency Disinfectant
DAISY CLEAN SANITIZER
Disinfectant Solution for air
Hypochlorous acid disinfecting
CLORAVIR HAND SANITIZER
Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant
Khurb clean disinfection water
TOK AND CARE SANITIZER
Mandabang Brand Hand Sanitizer
Raon Bio Safe Sanitizer Water
Disinfectant liquid Antibacterial
DTXCID1016737
Hypochlorous Acid Hand Sanitizer
AQUNOVA. WATER INNOVATION
Aktive Multi Purpose Antibacterial
Disinfectant Solution for hand-use
RAYSAIN Wash Free Hand Sanitizer
HICC Kids Rinse Free Disinfectant
HICC Kids Rinse-Free Disinfectant
Hand Sanitizer HOCL Cucumber Scent
Hypochlorous acid disinfectant wipes
Brille brille sterilizing water mist
Air raid card Wash free disinfectant
Non-Acidic Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL)
PENACOM Hypochlorous acid disinfectant
SCI Multi-Purpose Antibacterial Wipes
CLEAN-US PURICHLO SANITIZER-Spray
Dfenze HOCL Sanitizer and Disinfectant
Disinfectant liquid Antibacterial Spray
JOOBIRY Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant
RUNYI MIAOJIE Bacteriostatic solution
Caruche Premium Hypochlorous Acid Water
Mundus Hypochlorous Acid Hand Sanitizer
VISBELLA Hypochlorous acid disinfectant
Electrolyzed-oxidizing Water Disinfectant
YESDENTOK Khurb clean disinfection water
Slight Acid Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant
CELA No-clean hypochlorous acid disinfectant
Hand Sanitizer HOCL Aloe and Vitamin E Gel
Electrolyzed oxidizing water disinfection wipes
Sanitized Pro Multi-Purpose Antibacterial Wipes
Hand Sanitizer HOCL Gel with Vitamin E and Aloe
HICC Portable Rinse-Free Disinfectant Deodorizer
Daily Doctor Hypochlorous acid disinfectant liquid
Acid oxidation potential water disinfection wet towel
Water Guard Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Hypochlorous Acid Water Disinfectant
Water Guard Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Hypochlorous Acid Water Disinfectant Spray
232-232-5
chlorooxidanyl
hydroxychloride
oxylchloride
chloro-alcohol
oxyl chloride
Hydroxy chloride
Chlorine oxide (ClO1-)
Hypochlorous acid ion(1-)
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID [MI]
CHEMBL1616046
DTXSID90924342
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID [VANDF]
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID [WHO-DD]
DB14135
NS00082687
C19697
Q407318
Q2535800
8TR