Hypochlorous acid is a strong oxidizing agent used in bleach and disinfectants. It can be dangerous when concentrated and can cause skin irritation and eye damage. It is obtained by dissolving chlorine in water and should be stored in a sealed container.
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that can only exist in solution, because it is highly unstable when isolated in pure form. There are numerous uses for this chemical, most of which take advantage of its strong oxidizing properties, which allow it to be used in bleach and disinfectant, among other things. Many manufacturers produce this acid for sale to both industrial users and ordinary consumers, and many stores carry it, usually in the household cleaning section. While it can be safely used when diluted, it can be very dangerous when concentrated.
The chemical formula of this compound is HClO. It is classically obtained by dissolving chlorine in water, although it can also be obtained by reacting chlorine with mercury(II) oxide to create a pure, greenish-yellow form. The “chlorine bleach” sold for disinfectant and washing contains hypochlorous acid, and the systems used to chlorinate many water supplies rely on it to kill unwanted microorganisms in the water, with the acid creating conditions that make life unsustainable for these microbial invaders.
While this compound can be very useful in many applications, including home laundry, cleaning and sterilizing clinical settings, it can also be dangerous in certain settings. It can also cause skin irritation and eye damage, and people should use caution or wear protection when working with it to avoid splashing.
In bleaching, the acid works by oxidizing the agents that cause stains. This strong oxidizing power can also make the chemical very dangerous, because it can become explosive in certain environments. Adding acids to a solution containing it will precipitate this process, making the mixture unstable, releasing chlorine gas and potentially causing an explosive chemical reaction.
In disinfection, a solution with a pH balance between five and six is usually optimal. The compound must be handled carefully because it can release dangerous chlorine gas if it is mixed with the wrong chemicals. Chlorine gas can cause significant health problems or death, especially in a poorly ventilated space, which is why mixing household chemicals randomly is inadvisable.
Hypochlorous acid should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets. It’s a good idea to mark the container to make sure people are aware of the contents, and to add a warning that it shouldn’t be used with acids.
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