Hypochlorous acid

Category

Acids, Inorganic

Description

Found only in aqueous solution; Greenish-yellow liquid; [Merck Index] Very unstable; [Hawley] Decomposes exothermically to HCl and O2; [Ullmann]

Sources/Uses

Used as a disinfectant; [Merck Index] Used for textile and fiber bleaching, for water purification, and as an antiseptic; [Hawley] Not used much because of its instability; Hypochlorites are used instead in drinking water and swimming pools; [Ullmann]

Comments

A strong oxidizing agent; [Merck Index] A skin and eye irritant; Weak and unstable acid--exists only in dilute solutions; [Hawley] Hypochlorites are used as bleaching agents and disinfectants (swimming pools); they are derived from hypochlorous acid. "Hypochlorites have caused hand, diffuse, or periulcerous dermatitis . . . " [Kanerva, p. 1803-4] See "Hydrogen chloride."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Reference Link #2

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Sewer and Wastewater Treatment
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides