Hypochlorous acid facts for kids
Hypochlorous acid is a special kind of chemical compound. Its chemical formula is HClO or HOCl. It doesn't last very long on its own because it breaks down easily. This chemical has chlorine in a unique form.
It is a very strong oxidizing agent, which means it can make other chemicals change by taking electrons from them. It's also a powerful disinfectant, great at killing tiny germs like bacteria and viruses.
How Hypochlorous Acid is Made
You can make hypochlorous acid by mixing sodium hypochlorite with a special kind of acid, like phosphoric acid. Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical found in many types of bleach! It's important that the acid used to make it doesn't react with the hypochlorous acid itself, or it will disappear.
What Hypochlorous Acid Does
Hypochlorous acid is used in many ways. It helps to make other chemicals. Because it's such a strong disinfectant, it's used to clean and kill germs in places like swimming pools and hospitals.
How it Breaks Down
Hypochlorous acid doesn't stay the same forever. If it's left in sunlight, it breaks down into hydrochloric acid and oxygen gas. It can also react with hydrochloric acid to create chlorine gas, which is a strong chemical.
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