Definition

1. Noun:
   • A weak, unstable acid: A chemical compound that exists primarily in solution and is not stable in its pure form. It is known for its bleaching and oxidizing properties.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Hypochlorous acid is formed when chlorine dissolves in water.
  • The disinfectant properties of hypochlorous acid are used in water treatment.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Hypochlorous acid is an effective agent for sanitizing surfaces.
  • The laboratory prepared a dilute solution of hypochlorous acid for the experiment.

Advanced Usage

• In Chemistry: Refers specifically to the chemical formula HOCl. It is a reactive oxygen species and a key intermediate in many industrial and biological processes.
  • Hypochlorous acid acts as a potent antimicrobial agent by disrupting cell membranes.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypochlorite (noun): A salt or ester of hypochlorous acid, such as sodium hypochlorite (common bleach).
  • Sodium hypochlorite releases hypochlorous acid in solution.

Synonyms

• HOCl (noun): The chemical formula for hypochlorous acid.
• Chlorine(I) acid (noun): An alternative systematic name.

Related Phrases

• Hypochlorous acid solution: A common term for the aqueous form in which this compound is typically used and studied.
  • The wound was irrigated with a hypochlorous acid solution.

Noun

1. a weak unstable acid known only in solution and in its salts; used as a bleaching agent and as an oxidizing agent