What Is Chlorous Acid?
Chlorous acid, with the chemical formula HClO2, is an unstable oxoacid of chlorine, typically existing in solution form. Salts derived from chlorous acids, such as sodium and potassium chlorite, are more stable and widely utilized.
Uses of Chlorous Acid
Primarily used as a disinfectant, chlorous acid water is recognized for its effectiveness against bacteria and viruses and is approved as a food additive disinfectant for various food products. Its oxidative properties make it useful in analytical chemistry, manufacturing of nitrogen compounds, and as a bleaching agent.
Properties of Chlorous Acid
A moderate acid with a molecular weight of 68.46, chlorous acid has a distinct chlorine odor and exhibits equilibrium between its non-dissociated form and dissociated chlorite ions in solution. It’s known for its moderate acidity and ability to oxidize.
Types of Chlorous Acid
Available as a solution for use in food processing and disinfection, its salts, sodium chlorite, and potassium chlorite, are also used for similar purposes as well as in research and development.
Other Information on Chlorous Acid
1. Synthesis of Chlorous Acid
Produced by reacting a strong acid with an aqueous solution of barium or lead chlorite, chlorous acid requires careful handling and low-temperature conditions due to its propensity to decompose.
2. Synthesis of Chlorous Acid Water
Manufactured by acidifying a sodium chloride solution, electrolyzing it, and reacting the resulting chloric acid with hydrogen peroxide, this process stabilizes chlorous acid in aqueous form.
3. Chemical Reactions of Chlorous Acid
Known for disproportionating into hypochlorous and chloric acid, chlorous acid serves as an oxidizing agent in various chemical reactions, such as the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids.