Hypochlorous acid

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.

Where is Hypochlorous acid used?

• Food processing: no-rinse sanitizer on contact surfaces, equipment and fresh produce
• Water treatment: primary disinfectant controlling microbial load in potable water, cooling towers and wastewater systems
• Personal care: wound care sprays, skin sanitizers and eye-safe cleansing products
• Healthcare and pharmaceutical: surface and instrument disinfection
• It functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and oxidizing agent.
• In cosmetics, it is used in baby products.
• For room disinfection via fogging equipment.
• In agriculture, it facilitates recycling of wash water, reducing water use by up to 80%.
• In dentistry, it is used for root canal irrigation and maxillofacial surgery.

Good to know: Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications meet FCC, USP, Ph. Eur., BP, EP and ACS standards.

Formulation notes

• Compared to other types of chlorine, the hypochlorous acid molecule has a neutral electric charge and a relatively low molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate bacterial cell membranes more easily.
• Cannot be mixed with essential oils, fragrances or almost anything other than water.
• Can react with HCl to form chlorine (HClO+HCl→H2O+Cl2).
• For surface treatment by nebulization, the solution can be used pure or diluted in demineralized or osmotized water, sprayed on surfaces, left to act for 1 minute, then excess product removed with a clean cloth; no rinsing is required.

Typical specification

• Exists in aqueous solutions in a pH range of 3 to 7.4.
• As pH increases, it converts to hypochlorite, and above pH 9 only hypochlorite remains.
• Electrolysis-generated solutions have variable concentrations ranging from 2 ppm to 100 ppm.
• Solutions are bactericidal according to EN 13727.

Regulatory status

• The manufacturer holds its own active ECHA dossier under Article 95 for hypochlorous acid.
• The active chlorine released by hypochlorous acid (i.e., hypochlorous acid used in nebulization or atomization for air disinfection) has been approved by ECHA as a biocidal substance.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Should be protected from light.
• Storage containers should be kept in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place.

Frequently asked questions about Hypochlorous acid

What incompatibilities should be considered when formulating with hypochlorous acid?

It can react with hydrogen peroxide to produce oxygen (HClO+H2O2→ HCl+H2O+O2) and with organic amines to form N-chloramine.

What precautions are necessary when handling hypochlorous acid with acids?

Avoid contact with acids because chlorine gas is generated.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.