The word "hypobromous acid" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /haɪpoʊˈbroʊməs ˈæsɪd/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound, followed by a stressed syllable with a slightly softened "o" sound. The next syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound, and then two unstressed syllables with a slight "muh" sound and a short "i" sound. Lastly, the word ends with a stressed syllable with a clear "a" sound and a "d" sound.
Hypobromous acid, also known by its chemical formula HOBr, is a weak and unstable acid that belongs to the group of oxyacids. It is formed by the reaction of bromine with water, which causes the release of hydrogen ions (H+) into the solution. As a result, hypobromous acid exhibits some similar properties to other oxyacids.
Hypobromous acid is a pale-yellow liquid that easily decomposes and cannot be isolated in its pure form. Due to its instability, it is typically found in aqueous solutions or in the form of its salts, known as hypobromites. These salts, when dissolved in water, give rise to hypobromous acid.
This compound possesses disinfectant properties and is widely used as a sanitizer, primarily in the field of water treatment. It functions by oxidizing and effectively destroying various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and algae. Hypobromous acid has proven to be particularly effective against harmful bacteria and is frequently used as an alternative disinfectant to chlorine.
In addition to its use in water treatment, hypobromous acid finds applications in other industries as well. It is a crucial reagent in organic chemistry, often utilized in the synthesis of various compounds. Moreover, it plays a role in the production of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.
Despite its beneficial properties, hypobromous acid can be hazardous to humans and should be handled with caution. Exposure to concentrated solutions of hypobromous acid may lead to respiratory, skin, and eye irritation, making the use of protective equipment necessary.
An acid, HBrO, the aqueous solution of which possesses oxidizing and bleaching properties.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hypobromous acid" is derived from its chemical composition and the naming conventions used in chemistry.
The term "hypo-" in chemistry refers to the prefix used for the lowest oxidation state or smallest number of atoms in a compound. In the case of hypobromous acid, "hypo-" indicates the low oxidation state of bromine, which is +1 in this compound.
"Bromous" refers to the presence of bromine in the compound. The "-ous" suffix is derived from the Latin word "ōsus", meaning "full of" or "abounding in". Therefore, "bromous" signifies that hypobromous acid is composed of bromine.
Finally, "acid" indicates that hypobromous acid is an acidic compound, meaning it donates protons when dissolved in water.