Hypochlorous acid

| IUPACName = Hypochlorous acid | OtherNames = |Section1= | ChEBI = 24757 | SMILES = OCl | ChemSpiderID_Ref = | ChemSpiderID = 22757 | PubChem = 24341 | UNII_Ref = | UNII = 712K4CDC10 | InChI = 1/ClHO/c1-2/h2H | InChIKey = QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYAT | StdInChI_Ref = | StdInChI = 1S/ClHO/c1-2/h2H | StdInChIKey_Ref = | StdInChIKey = QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N | CASNo = 7790-92-3 | CASNo_Ref = | EINECS = 232-232-5 | RTECS = }} |Section2= }} |Section3= |Section7= | PPhrases = | ExternalSDS = [https://www.chemfresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SDS.pdf chemfresh.com] }} |Section8= | OtherCations = | OtherCompounds = }} }}

Hypochlorous acid is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula , also written as HClO, HOCl, or ClHO. Its structure is . It is an acid that forms when chlorine dissolves in water, and itself partially dissociates, forming a hypochlorite anion, . HClO and are oxidizers, and the primary disinfection agents of chlorine solutions. HClO cannot be isolated from these solutions due to rapid equilibration with its precursor, chlorine.

Because of its strong antimicrobial properties, the related compounds sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and calcium hypochlorite () are ingredients in many commercial bleaches, deodorants, and disinfectants. The white blood cells of mammals, such as humans, also contain hypochlorous acid as a tool against foreign bodies. In living organisms, HOCl is generated by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with chloride ions under the catalysis of the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO).

Like many other disinfectants, hypochlorous acid solutions will destroy pathogens, such as COVID-19, absorbed on surfaces. In low concentrations, such solutions can serve to disinfect open wounds. Provided by Wikipedia