Hypochlorous acid
Hypochlorous acid (pronunciation: hi-po-klor-us as-id) is a weak acid that can only exist in solution, as it is highly unstable when isolated in a pure form. It is written chemically as HOCl.
Etymology
The term "Hypochlorous acid" is derived from the Greek words hypo meaning under, chloros meaning green, and ous meaning full of. This refers to the acid's colorless appearance in its diluted form.
Chemical Properties
Hypochlorous acid is a powerful oxidizer. It is produced when chlorine is dissolved in water, and it can exist in equilibrium with its anhydride, chlorine gas. It is also formed in the human body by neutrophils, which use it to kill bacteria during the immune response.
Medical Uses
In medicine, hypochlorous acid is used as a disinfectant. It is effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is also used in wound care for its antimicrobial properties. It is non-toxic to humans and animals, making it a safe and effective disinfectant.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypochlorous acid
- Wikipedia's article - Hypochlorous acid
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