Chlorous acid

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

Chlorous-acid-2D.png
Chlorous acid
Chlorous-acid-2D.png
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID 24451
ChemSpider ID
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Properties
Chemical Formula HClO_2
Molar Mass
Appearance
Density
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Hazards
GHS Pictograms [[File:|50px]]
GHS Signal Word
GHS Hazard Statements
NFPA 704 [[File:|50px]]
References

Chlorous acid is a weak and unstable acid with the chemical formula HClO_2. It is an intermediate in the production of chlorine dioxide and is rarely encountered in its pure form. Chlorous acid is known primarily in the form of its salts, known as chlorites.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Chlorous acid is a weak acid and is not typically found in a pure state due to its instability. It decomposes into chlorine dioxide (ClO_2) and chloric acid (HClO_3). The acid is known to be a powerful oxidizing agent.

Production[edit]

Chlorous acid can be produced by the reaction of chlorine dioxide with water:

ClO_2 + H_2O → HClO_2 + HClO_3

Uses[edit]

Chlorous acid itself has limited direct applications due to its instability. However, its salts, chlorites, are used in various industrial processes, including water treatment and bleaching.

Safety[edit]

Chlorous acid is a strong oxidizer and can pose significant hazards if not handled properly. It should be stored and used with caution, avoiding contact with organic materials and reducing agents.

Related Compounds[edit]

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

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