Hypochlorous acid

Agent Name
Hypochlorous acid
CAS Number
7790-92-3
Formula
Cl-H-O
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Hypochlorous acid formula graphical representation
Category
Acids, Inorganic
Description
Found only in aqueous solution; Greenish-yellow liquid; [Merck Index] Very unstable; [Hawley] Decomposes exothermically to HCl and O2; [Ullmann]
Sources/Uses
Used as a disinfectant; [Merck Index] Used for textile and fiber bleaching, for water purification, and as an antiseptic; [Hawley] Not used much because of its instability; Hypochlorites are used instead in drinking water and swimming pools; [Ullmann]
Comments
A strong oxidizing agent; [Merck Index] A skin and eye irritant; Weak and unstable acid--exists only in dilute solutions; [Hawley] Hypochlorites are used as bleaching agents and disinfectants (swimming pools); they are derived from hypochlorous acid. "Hypochlorites have caused hand, diffuse, or periulcerous dermatitis . . . " [Kanerva, p. 1803-4] See "Hydrogen chloride."
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent