Hypochlorous acid
Description
Hypochlorous acid (CAS 7790-92-3), also known as HOCl, is a chlorine-based oxidizing acid produced through electrolysis of saline or dilute chlorine solutions. It functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and oxidizing agent.
This chemical delivers high-level disinfection and sanitization performance across food processing, healthcare, and water treatment environments. In food processing and produce handling, HOCl is applied as a no-rinse sanitizer on contact surfaces.
It is used on equipment and fresh produce, meeting food-safety compliance requirements without chemical residue concerns. Water treatment facilities use it as a primary disinfectant to control microbial load in potable water.
It is also utilized in cooling towers and wastewater systems. Personal care formulators incorporate it into wound care sprays, skin sanitizers, and eye-safe cleansing products where conventional preservatives are unsuitable.
In healthcare and pharmaceutical environments, it serves surface and instrument disinfection where low-toxicity, non-corrosive biocidal action is a procurement priority. The solution is highly effective against pathogens.
Hypochlorous acid is supplied as a liquid solution, typically in concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 ppm for consumer and food-grade applications. Higher concentrations are available for industrial use.
Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications are available to support regulated end-use applications. These products meet rigorous quality standards including FCC, USP, Ph.Eur., BP, EP, and ACS.
Packaging ranges from small-volume containers to bulk IBC totes depending on application scale and concentration. This ensures flexible logistics for various industrial and commercial requirements worldwide.
Physical Properties
| Boiling Point | 46-47 °C @ Press: 11 Torr |
| Density | 1.1655 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Appearance | Greenish-yellow aqueous solution. Highly unstable, weak acid. Decomposes to hydrogen chloride and oxygen. Can exist only in dilute solutions. |
| Color | green-yellow; stable only in aqueous solution |
| Form | stable only in solution |
| pH | pKa1= 7.47(25℃) |
| Log P | 0.710 (est) |
Documentation
Other Names
Hypomide|hypochloric acid|HOCl|HClO|Eclorite|[ClOH]|chloranol|Comfosy
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