What Is Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid, an oxoacid of chlorine, emits a characteristic chalky odor.
Discovered in 1834 by French chemist Antoine Jerome Barrard, hypochlorous acid bears the chemical formula HClO, a molecular weight of 52.46, and a CAS number of 7790-92-3. It is a weak, unstable acid that exists solely in solution, prone to decomposition if not maintained.
Uses of Hypochlorous Acid
As a principal component of hypochlorous acid water, an electrolyzed water solution, hypochlorous acid serves as a disinfectant. It sterilizes vegetables, tableware, and facilities, combats cucumber powdery mildew and strawberry gray mold as a designated specific agricultural chemical, and sanitizes food factories, restaurants, and medical equipment like endoscopes.
Its utility extends to liquid sprays, wet wipes, and aerosols for disinfection, proving effective for indoor environments and mist and aerosol applications in disinfection chambers.
The sodium salt of hypochlorous acid, known for its bleaching capabilities, is employed in pulp bleaching and kitchen chlorine bleach.
Properties of Hypochlorous Acid
A potent oxidizer, hypochlorous acid is primarily used in bleaching and disinfection as unstable compounds like sodium hypochlorite.
Highlighted as a preventive measure against coronavirus infection, hypochlorous acid water is produced by electrolyzing a solution of sodium chloride or hydrochloric acid, featuring hypochlorous acid as its main component.
Other Information on Hypochlorous Acid
1. Production Process
Steam distillation of a neutralized hypochlorite solution, prepared by chlorine gas through a potassium hydroxide solution, yields hypochlorous acid in aqueous form. Advances in technology have facilitated affordable production and bottling for both home and commercial uses, with longevity enhanced by cool, sun-protected storage.
2. Chemical Reactions
In solution, hypochlorous acid partially dissociates into hypochlorous acid ClO− and can react with HCl to produce chlorine, with ammonia to form monochloramine, with organic amines to generate N-chloramine, and with hydrogen peroxide to release oxygen. It also interacts with various biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, fatty acids, cholesterol, and proteins.
3. Regulatory Status
Not subject to regulations poisonous and deleterious substances, fire, or industrial safety and health laws.
4. Safety and Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dark, ventilated area and use promptly to prevent decomposition and alkalinity shift.
- Decomposition accelerates upon exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays, or contact with organic substances.
- Avoid acids to prevent chlorine gas production.
- Ensure usage in open or well-ventilated spaces.
- Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
- Practice thorough handwashing post-handling.
- For skin contact, cleanse with soap and water; for eye contact, rinse with water for several minutes.