Hypochlorous acid

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with the chemical formula HClO. It forms when chlorine dissolves in water, and itself partially dissociates in water, into hypochlorite (-) and hydronium ions. It is HClO and OCl- that are the primary agents for disinfection when chlorine is used to disinfect water for human use. It cannot be isolated in pure form due to rapid equilibration with its precursor. HClO is an oxidizer, and in its sodium salt form sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), or in its calcium salt form calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), can be used as a bleach, a deodorant, and a disinfectant.

Hypochlorous acid

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with the chemical formula HClO. It forms when chlorine dissolves in water, and itself partially dissociates in water, into hypochlorite (-) and hydronium ions. It is HClO and OCl- that are the primary agents for disinfection when chlorine is used to disinfect water for human use. It cannot be isolated in pure form due to rapid equilibration with its precursor. HClO is an oxidizer, and in its sodium salt form sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), or in its calcium salt form calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), can be used as a bleach, a deodorant, and a disinfectant.