Hypochlorous Acid

HClO

IUPAC: Hypochlorous acid

CAS: 7790-92-3

Overview

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid and powerful oxidizing agent. It is the active sanitizing agent produced when chlorine dissolves in water.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 1 1.0080
Oxygen O 1 15.9990
Chlorine Cl 1 35.4500

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×1
1.9%
O
Oxygen ×1
30.5%
Cl
Chlorine ×1
67.6%

Uses

  • • Water disinfection
  • • Swimming pool treatment
  • • Wound care
  • • Food sanitation

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Your immune system produces HClO in white blood cells to kill bacteria

Safety

  • ⚠ Oxidizer
  • ⚠ Irritant

Structure

SMILES

OCl

Properties

Type
acid
State
liquid
Molar Mass
52.46 g/mol
Density
1.0000 g/cm³
Solubility
Miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
51.9716
XLogP
0.3
TPSA
20.2 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
2
Complexity
2.0

Related Compounds

Acetic Acid

CH₃COOH

Boric Acid

H₃BO₃

Carbonic Acid

H₂CO₃

Chloric Acid

HClO₃

Chlorosulfonic Acid

ClSO₃H

Chlorous Acid

HClO₂

Hydrobromic Acid

HBr

Hydrochloric Acid

HCl

Hydrofluoric Acid

HF

Hydrogen Cyanide

HCN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous Acid (HClO) is a acid compound with the IUPAC name Hypochlorous acid.
What is the molecular weight of Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous Acid has a molar mass of 52.46 g/mol.
What state is Hypochlorous Acid at room temperature?
Hypochlorous Acid is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Hypochlorous Acid organic or inorganic?
Hypochlorous Acid is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous Acid (HClO) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Chlorine (Cl).