In disinfection, it has been used in the form of liquid spray, wet wipes and aerosolised application.It is also FDA-approved as a preservative for saline solutions. Food and Drug Administration has approved products whose main active ingredient is hypochlorous acid for use in treating wounds and various infections in humans and pets. In wound care, and as of early 2016 the U.S.In medicine, hypochlorous acid water has been used as a disinfectant and sanitiser.In biology, hypochlorous acid is generated in activated neutrophils by myeloperoxidase-mediated peroxidation of chloride ions, and contributes to the destruction of bacteria.In organic synthesis, HClO converts alkenes to chlorohydrins.It is not until recent years that scientists have been able to cost-effectively produce and maintain hypochlorous acid water for stable commercial use.

ĭespite being relatively easy to make, it is difficult to maintain a stable hypochlorous acid solution. He also named the acid and its compounds. Hypochlorous acid was discovered in 1834 by the French chemist Antoine Jérôme Balard (1802–1876) by adding, to a flask of chlorine gas, a dilute suspension of mercury(II) oxide in water.

5.1 Production of hypochlorites using electrolysis.

3.2.3 Reaction with DNA and nucleotides.

3.2.2 Reaction with protein amino groups.

3.2.1 Reaction with protein sulfhydryl groups.

3.2 Reactivity of HClO with biomolecules.

In low concentrations, such solutions can serve to disinfect open wounds. Like many other disinfectants, hypochlorous acid solutions will destroy pathogens, such as COVID-19, adsorbed on surfaces. In living organisms, HOCl is generated by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with chloride ions under the catalysis of the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), synthesized and secreted by activated phagocytes, wherein an excessive HOCl generation is considered to be hallmark of underlying conditions such as diabetes and dyslipidemia The white blood cells of mammals, such as humans, also contain hypochlorous acid as a tool against foreign bodies.

HClO cannot be isolated from these solutions due to rapid equilibration with its precursor, chlorine.īecause of its strong antimicrobial properties, the related compounds sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO) 2) are ingredients in many commercial bleaches, deodorants, and disinfectants. HClO and ClO − are oxidizers, and the primary disinfection agents of chlorine solutions. Hypochlorous acid (HClO, HOCl, or ClHO ) is a weak acid that forms when chlorine dissolves in water, and itself partially dissociates, forming hypochlorite, ClO −.

Hypochlorous acid and blepharitis