HYPOCHLOROUS ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Hypochlorous acid is a weak and unstable acid that is naturally produced in small quantities by the human immune system in order to combat pathogens and foreign substances. It is a chemical compound with the chemical formula HOCl.
Hypochlorous acid is primarily formed when chlorine gas dissolves in water, undergoing a chemical reaction known as hydrolysis. It is commonly used in various industries and applications as a powerful disinfectant and sanitizer. Due to its potent antimicrobial properties, hypochlorous acid is widely employed in the medical field for wound cleansing and sterilization purposes. It has also gained popularity as a water treatment agent to sanitize swimming pools and drinking water supplies.
In terms of properties, hypochlorous acid is a pale yellow liquid with a distinctive chlorine-like odor. It is highly soluble in water and readily dissociates into hypochlorite ions (OCl-) and hydrogen ions (H+) in solution. It is important to note that the stability of hypochlorous acid is influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and exposure to sunlight.
Although hypochlorous acid is generally regarded as safe when used within recommended concentrations, it is a powerful oxidizing agent and caution should be exercised to avoid contact with the eyes or skin in high concentrations. Despite its potential hazards, the use of hypochlorous acid as a disinfectant has proven to be effective in neutralizing a wide range of harmful microorganisms.
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An acid, HClO, having oxidizing and bleaching properties.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
- gypochlorous acid
- bypochlorous acid
- nypochlorous acid
- jypochlorous acid
- uypochlorous acid
- yypochlorous acid
- htpochlorous acid
- hgpochlorous acid
- hhpochlorous acid
- hupochlorous acid
- h7pochlorous acid
- h6pochlorous acid
- hyoochlorous acid
- hylochlorous acid
- hy-ochlorous acid
- hy0ochlorous acid
- hypichlorous acid
- hypkchlorous acid
- hyplchlorous acid
Etymology of HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
The word "Hypochlorous" originates from the Greek words "hypo" meaning "under" and "chloros" meaning "greenish-yellow". "Hypo" is used to indicate the presence of a lower amount of chlorine in a compound compared to another compound. "Chlorous" refers to the compound's chlorine content.
The term "acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour". It is used to describe a substance with a pH level less than 7 and typically has a sour taste.
When combined, "hypochlorous acid" describes a compound that contains a lower amount of chlorine than chlorous acid, and it possesses acidic properties.
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