hypochlorous acid


noun

a weak, unstable acid, HOCl, existing only in solution and in the form of its salts, used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant.

Origin of hypochlorous acid

First recorded in 1835–45

British Dictionary definitions for hypochlorous acid

hypochlorous acid
/ (ˌhaɪpəˈklɔːrəs) /

noun

an unstable acid known only in solution and in the form of its salts, formed when chlorine dissolves in water: a strong oxidizing and bleaching agent. Formula: HOCl

Medical definitions for hypochlorous acid

hypochlorous acid
[ hī′pə-klôrəs ]

n.

A weak but strongly oxidizing acid produced by the reaction of chlorine and water and used as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent.

Scientific definitions for hypochlorous acid

hypochlorous acid
[ hī′pə-klôrəs ]

A weak, unstable acid occurring only in solution and used as a bleach, oxidizer, deodorant, and disinfectant. Chemical formula: HOCl.