Chlorous acid facts for kids
Chlorous acid is a special kind of chemical compound. It is a type of acid. Its chemical formula is HClO₂. This means it's made of one hydrogen atom, one chlorine atom, and two oxygen atoms.
Chlorous acid is not very stable, meaning it breaks down easily. When it breaks down, it turns into two other acids: hypochlorous acid and chloric acid. It is also a strong "oxidizer." This means it can take electrons from other chemicals, causing them to change.
How is it Made?
Scientists can make chlorous acid by mixing barium chlorite with sulfuric acid. This reaction creates chlorous acid and also a solid called barium sulfate, which doesn't dissolve in water.
What Does it Do?
When chlorous acid reacts with a "base" (the opposite of an acid), it forms chemicals called "chlorites." These chlorites are much more stable than chlorous acid itself.
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