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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl or HClO) is a weak acid that forms when chlorine dissolves in water, and itself partially dissociates, forming hypochlorite, ClO−.
Hypochlorous acid and ClO− are oxidizers, and the primary disinfection agents of chlorine solutions.
Hypochlorous acid cannot be isolated from these solutions due to rapid equilibration with its precursor.
CAS Number: 7790-92-3
EC Number: 232-232-5
IUPAC Name: hypochlorous acid
Chemical Formula: ClHO
Other names: 7790-92-3, HClO, HOCl, chloranol, Comfosy, hydroxidochlorine, hypochloric acid, 712K4CDC10, DTXSID3036737, CHEBI:24757, hypochlrous, Champuregreen, Deodorizer, Leucillin, Sufiya, Mediaqua premium, Dr.Devirus, Hi Cleaner, VIRURcatcher, Zero Hazard, Gold Mate, Vi-trap, All Clean Water, EKO Disinfectant, HCIO disnfectant, Vi-Clean, HClO disinfectant, Hi Hand Clean, Electrolyzed Water, SANe Water, Family Disinfectant, JIKIMI Phytoncide, Bactistop 100, Bactistop 500, Disinfection-Tablets, Vitaplus eco hygiene, Disinfectant Solution, ALLVIRUSU, EANCLEAN, ENACLEAN, MEDIBLUE, MISTTHIRTY, PURECLE, PUREHOCL, SAERASU, SIBARC, SSACSU, AN XIN Disinfectant, Hand Sanitizer HOCL, Chlorinie disinfectant, PHYSICAL WATER, Dr VIRURSOLUTION, CLAON HOCL, DEMON GUN, Dr VIRUR SAFE, H BIOTICS, PURO MEDI, SHIELD V, 232-232-5, EINECS 232-232-5, hydroxychloride, oxylchloride, chloro-alcohol, oxyl chloride, UNII-712K4CDC10, Hydroxy chloride, Chlor(I)-saeure, hypochlorige Saeure, [ClOH], Chlorine oxide (ClO1-), Hypochlorous acid ion(1-), SCHEMBL15644, SCHEMBL107035, SCHEMBL811532, HYPOCHLOROUS ACID [MI], CHEMBL1616046, HYPOCHLOROUS ACID [VANDF], HYPOCHLOROUS ACID [WHO-DD], DB14135, NS00082687, C19697, Q407318, Q2535800, 8TR
Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2), are bleaches, deodorants, and disinfectants.
Hypochlorous acid is found naturally in white blood cells of mammals, including the human body.
Hypochlorous acid is non-toxic and has been used as a safe wound care solution for many years.
When dissolved in water, Hypochlorous acid water has been found to have strong disinfection properties.
Given this and its non-toxicity, it has been identified as a useful cleaning agent and sanitizer.
Hypochlorous acid has been identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a disinfectant effective against COVID-19, backed by clinical studies.
Because of its ability to penetrate pathogens' membranes, it is also used as a commercial deodorizer.
Hypochlorous acid is the scientific formula of Hypochlorous acid, a weak acid with strength of a light citrus juice. HOCl is naturally produced by white blood cells in all mammals to fight bacteria and viruses, protect and heal the body.
Hypochlorous acid is a strong oxidant that acts against invading bacteria, fungi and viruses.
In the 1970s, the first HOCl was produced by passing electricity through the brine solution.
Hypochlorous acid is the only viable disinfectant that can be used against pathogens including Tuberculosis, Legionella, H1N1 (swine flu), M. Chelonea, Poliovirus, HIV, Aureus, E. Coli, Candida Albicans, Enterococcus Faecalis, P Aeruginosa, including CORONA VIRUS because it is the most effective substance against the pathogenic microorganisms in nature since it is produced by the defense system of the human body against bacteria and viruses.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the perfect weapon to fight germs.
Hypochlorous acid hits hard against pathogens like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeroginosa.
Yet this powerful weapon is 100 percent safe for humans, chemical free, non-toxic and all-natural.
That’s an impressive combination. It has been used in the medical field for over a century.
Before antibiotics were available, HOCl was used to irrigate and disinfect wounds in World War I.
Hypochlorous acid is now used in everyday settings including daycare centers, hospitals, and even produce sections in grocery stores.
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that occurs naturally in our body.
Neutrophils are white blood cells that are the first to arrive on site when an invading pathogen is detected.
Neutrophils will chase down and engulf the pathogen through phagocytosis.
Upon contact, neutrophils release a burst of bactericidal chemicals including its most powerful oxidizing agent, HOCl.
This kills the pathogen by tearing down the cell membranes and proteins.
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that is formed when chlorine (a gas) dissolves in water.
Hypochlorous acid is used as an active ingredient in sanitizers and disinfectants because of its ability to break apart cell membranes, similar to the mechanism of action of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or hydrogen peroxide.
Water solutions of HOCl are in the neutral to slightly acidic pH range.
Hypochlorous acid has many other common names (not all technically accurate) including “electrolyzed water,” “activated water,” “enhanced water,” “superoxidized water,” and the most technically inaccurate of all is “no-chemical” (because everything, even water, is a chemical!).
Hypochlorous acid is surprisingly effective at very low concentrations.
Hypochlorous acid takes only a very small amount of HOCl to effectively kill bacteria and viruses and destroy proteins like inanimate pet allergens in comparison to higher pH bleach-based products.
Despite this outstanding ability, it is also gentle on surfaces, and when no additional ingredients like surfactants or detergents are added to the final formula, HOCl solutions leave behind minimal residue.
Evidence of this is demonstrated by the HOCl-based solutions on the market that are EPA approved as food contact sanitizers.
These products do not require a rinse step when used on surfaces that come into contact with food.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has a multitude of uses in wound care, dermatology, dentistry and eye care.
Hypochlorous acid is the most common disinfectant in medical, industrial and domestic use, and has the same active ingredient of household bleach but with a different chemical structure.
Bleach, or sodium hypochlorite, is typically found in concentrations that range from 1% to 5%, which would result in chemical burns to the eye upon contact.
Hypochlorous acid however, is found in much lower concentrations and has no such risks.
Hypochlorous acid is an appealing disinfectant because it is an all-natural antimicrobial agent.
Pure Hypochlorous acid is produced as an element of the human immune response.
During the oxidative burst, small, highly reactive molecules such as HOCl are generated as white blood cells respond to pathogens in the body.
Hypochlorous acid is released by neutrophils to kill microorganisms and neutralize toxins released from pathogens and inflammatory mediators
When salt water is electrolyzed, it produces an anolyte solution that consists of >99.3% water, chloride salt and Hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring chemical that is produced by our neutrophils, or white blood cells, to fight bacteria and inflammation after an infection or trauma.
Hypochlorous acid provides a unique power to eradicate dangerous organisms while not causing harm to our cells.
Hypochlorous acid is one of the only agents that is both nontoxic to the delicate cells that can heal our wounds while being lethal to almost all known dangerous bacteria and viruses that threaten our health.
The overwhelming impediment to its widespread use has been a lack of shelf stability.
Hypochlorous acid is the most reactive ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species).
This means it reacts very easily and will quickly turn back into salt water.
Hypochlorous acid solutions have been used for over 100 years.
in the early 1900's during the World Wars, HOCl solutions were used for disinfecting medical equipment and dressing wounds.
However, until recently, HOCl solutions would only remain stable for about 90 minutes before turning back into salt water.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl or hypo) is not a new substance or chemistry.
In fact, Hypochlorous acid has been around for decades — often used to clean wounds on the battlefield, to disinfect drinking water and as a surface disinfectant.
Historically, Hypochlorous acid has also been commonly used in agriculture and dairy farming.
For example, dairy farmers often use it as a teat dip, a post-milking technique that helps control the spread of mastitis organisms during the milking process.
In agriculture, it’s common to use Hypochlorous acid in irrigation systems for microbial control on plant and fruit crops.
Hypochlorous acid can also be found inside the human body.
Hypochlorous acid naturally resides in white blood cells, helping the immune system keep people healthy.
In recent years, Hypochlorous acid has gained traction in the cleaning industry, too.
Although it needs to be used differently than concentrated chemical sanitizers and disinfectants, it can be used in a way that promotes worker health and safety, environmental safety and sustainability, and it protects facility materials and the quality of indoor air.
This is neutral pH chemistry that has no added synthetic chemicals, fragrances or dyes.
That’s important because it means Hypochlorous acid leaves no residue and causes less irritation and fewer allergic reactions.
Hypochlorous acid also not on the AOEC (Association for Occupational and Environmental Clinics) Asthmagen list or known to cause or exacerbate asthma.
Finally, the way it kills pathogens does not support the formation of superbugs.
For example, chlorine bleach (a water solution of sodium hypochlorite) and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) both bang on the cell wall of pathogens, forcing those cells to protect themselves by putting out a lipid layer and adapting (forming superbugs).
With Hypochlorous acidthis doesn’t happen.
Hypochlorous acid is a neutral solution, so the pathogen invites it in like it’s water.
Once inside, Hypochlorous acid oxidizes the pathogen from the inside, destroying it.
This is important because there has been a recent increase in superbug formation, as well as industry accidents and deaths from improper mixing or ingestion of harsh chemicals.
The global pandemic and supply chain issues impacting product availability have not helped matters either.
Through all of that, though, HOCl has proven to be a promising and safe option for those responsible for cleaning and maintaining facilities.
Hypochlorous acid was first identified back in 1811 as what the body produces to fight infection by the celebrated chemist Sir Humphry Davy (inventor of the Davy Miners Lamp and discoverer of several chemical elements).
His student, Michael Faraday, then took over the work and managed to isolate and produce Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) by electrolysis, passing current through brine solution in 1823.
Hypochlorous acid then wasn’t until the First World War in 1914 that it took a practical turn to help medics treating field wounds.
Hypochlorous acid was used to irrigate the wounds where it was noted soldiers healed in half the time as those who didn’t have the same opportunity.
Fast forward to today and we now see Hypochlorous acid ,HOCl, produced on a mass scale with stability issues a thing of the past.
Previously HOCl solution would only be stable for around 1-2 hours before turning back into salt-water.
Hypochlorous acid from Monarch Chemicals, however, has a shelf-life of up to 24 months with nothing new added – just improved stabilisation during the manufacturing process.
HOCl, or Hypochlorous acid, is widely used as a disinfectant, because of it's oxidizing properties.
Hypochlorous acid is very effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Hypochlorous acid also has an acidic component, but it's a very weak acid, comparable to citrus fruits.
Hypochlorous acid is produced with the use of a technology called electrochemical activation (ECA) by the electrolysis of water containing dissolved sodium chloride (salt).
This process and the active substance are sustainable and is suitable for humans, animals or the ecosystem.
We believe it's the future of disinfection.
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with the chemical formula HOCl.
Hypochlorous acid forms when chlorine dissolves in water.
Hypochlorous acid cannot be isolated in pure form due to rapid equilibration with its precursor (see below).
Hypochlorous acid is used as a bleach, an oxidizer, a deodorant, and a disinfectant.
Hypochlorous acid is pH neutral, super-oxidized water.
Hypochlorous acid generated by electrolysis of a dilute salt solution passing through an electrolytic cell.
This process creates large volumes of a gentle but extremely potent antimicrobial solution capable of rapid reduction of bacteria, viruses, spores, cysts, scale, and biofilm.
Hypochlorous acid is cost-effective , greener than traditional chemical disinfectants, and can be used in multiple applications across a wide variety of industries.
The shelf-life of the stable Hypochlorous acid can be 3-6 months if stored in a closed container protected from the oxygen in the air.
Hypochlorous acid is also known as electrolyzed water(EW), electrolyzed oxidizing water(EOW), electro-activated water or electro-chemically activated(ECA) water solution.
Hypochlorous acid is a free chlorine molecule with the chemical structure HOCl.
Hypochlorous acid is the dominant free chlorine species in chlorine solutions that have a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Hypochlorous acid being much more powerful oxidant than chlorine bleach, is a potent disinfectant.
Hypochlorous acid in the pH range of 5-7 is considered to be more stable with higher efficacy as Free available Chlorine(FAC) in the form of HOCl is available at max, ready to react.
Slightly acidic to neutral electrolyzed water (5 to 6.5 pH) are considered healthy and environmentally friendly because no hazardous chemicals are added in its production, there is reduced corrosion of surfaces, and it minimizes the potential for damage to animal and human health.
This simple chemical compound has a broad spectrum of activity and exhibits rapid kill kinetics against a wide range of bacterial and viral organisms.
Hypochlorous acid is a neutrally charged molecule.
The cell wall of pathogenic microorganisms is negatively charged by nature. HOCl easily penetrates bacterial cell walls.
Hypochlorous acid can also penetrate slime layers, cell walls and protective layers of microorganisms, oxidizes the cell walls and effectively kills pathogens as a result.
The microorganisms will either die or suffer from reproductive failures.
Once Hypochlorous acid lands on a surface, it reacts with any germs or organic matter on that surface and then immediately deactivates.
This is good because it allows for sanitation without requiring a post-rinse, and because no toxic chemicals are left behind.
Hypochlorous acid is the most effective disinfectant in the chlorine family available in the dilute solution.
Hypochlorous acid is suggested that HOCl is 80 to 120 times more efficacious than sodium hypochlorite.
Hypochlorous acid is very effective at removing biofilm and preventing formation.
Hypochlorous acid is non-toxic and non-hazardous.
Unlike most chemical sanitizers, Hypochlorous acid is non-irritant to eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract.
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.
He also named the acid and its compounds.
Despite being relatively easy to make, it is difficult to maintain a stable Hypochlorous acid solution.
Hypochlorous acid is not until recent years that scientists have been able to cost-effectively produce and maintain Hypochlorous acid water for stable commercial use.
Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a powerful antimicrobial and antiviral used for the control of various infections, repair and washing of surgical wounds, as well as for disinfection of surfaces.
In vivo, Hypochlorous acid is synthesized by the cells of the immune system for the control of pathogens during phagocytosis and has been synthesized and stabilized for use in different entities.
The therapeutic uses of HClO began in the First World War with the studies of Alexis Carrel and Henry Dakin who obtained a buffered sodium hypochlorite solution (Dakin's solution) which generated ideal concentrations of HClO, using it successfully in washing and treatment of wounds without presenting any damage or undesired effect on the patient's tissues.
In 1993, the HClO molecule was stabilized, popularizing its use for the control of predominantly skin infections, treatment of chronic ulcers, closure and cleaning of wounds, management of burned patients, and disinfection of surfaces.
Biologically, it is part of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesized by cells of the immune system (Neutrophils and Macrophages) during an immunological process known as "respiratory burst", during phagocytosis of antigens in reaction with the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and a chlorine ion.
Safety profiles in in vivo models have driven our initiative to use Stabilized Hypochlorous acid (S-HClO), as an early therapeutic option in patients with SARS-Cov-2 infection or in close contact with COVID-193 positive patients.
Calderon et al and carried out the evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of HClO on potentially pathogenic microorganisms of the oral cavity.
The study reports that Hypochlorous acid achieved bacterial inhibition of 99.9% at a concentration of 0.05% and a pH of 5.2 per minute of action for different types of bacteria and for infectious microorganisms.
Virological tests have also been performed on feline calcivirus (Ebola-like virus), rotavirus, AH1N1, adenovirus and SARS, found to be highly effective after 1 minute of application.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, effective and early treatments are being sought to help prevent the dissipation of the virus (disinfection of surfaces), to neutralize the virus at an early stage when it is lodged in the upper respiratory tract and nose, since this is the Probable route of infection of the ethmoid lamina and later causing viral encephalopathy and treatment of patients with bronchial infection by this virus, decreasing the viral load and causing destruction of the virus.
There are reports of the use of HClO in the nasal mucosa in studies in humans, reporting safety and effectiveness, both in adults and in children, which leads us to propose the application of said nasal spray solution, as a prophylaxis in health personnel with a high risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2.
A RCT with the use S-HClO as a prevention treatment for the infection by SARS-CoV-2 in health professionals is proposed
Addition of chlorine to water gives both hydrochloric acid (HCl) and Hypochlorous acid (HOCl):[21]
Cl2 + H2O ⇌ HClO + HCl
Cl2 + 4 OH− ⇌ 2 ClO− + 2 H2O + 2 e−
Cl2 + 2 e− ⇌ 2 Cl−
When acids are added to aqueous salts of Hypochlorous acid (such as sodium hypochlorite in commercial bleach solution), the resultant reaction is driven to the left, and chlorine gas is formed.
Thus, the formation of stable hypochlorite bleaches is facilitated by dissolving chlorine gas into basic water solutions, such as sodium hydroxide.
The acid can also be prepared by dissolving dichlorine monoxide in water; under standard aqueous conditions, anhydrous Hypochlorous acid is currently impossible to prepare due to the readily reversible equilibrium between it and its anhydride:
2 HOCl ⇌ Cl2O + H2O K (at 0 °C) = 3.55×10−3 dm3 mol−1
The presence of light or transition metal oxides of copper, nickel, or cobalt accelerates the exothermic decomposition into hydrochloric acid and oxygen:
2 Cl2 + 2 H2O → 4 HCl + O2
To make Hypochlorous acid is pretty simple chemistry.
Start with precisely the correct proportions of three ingredients: salt, water and vinegar.
You may remember that a salt molecule is made up of the elements sodium and chloride (NaCl) and a water molecule is made up of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O).
When an electrical current is applied to the solution, the molecules break apart and the elements form two new molecules:
Nature’s super powerful disinfectant, and also the ingredient that gives bleach its anti-microbial power.
When the pH of the solution is lowered to the correct level, HOCl is created, exactly the same substance that is your immune system’s germ fighter.
So when you take your child to that indoor play area/petrie dish – your white blood cells get to work creating Hypochlorous acid.
A common detergent used at different concentrations in everything from toothpaste to skin moisturizers to cleaning products.
Because concentration levels vary so widely across products, so do toxicity levels.
That’s why you can find this same ingredient in both toothpastes and drain cleaners.
In organic synthesis, HClO converts alkenes to chlorohydrins.
In biology, Hypochlorous acid is generated in activated neutrophils by myeloperoxidase-mediated peroxidation of chloride ions, and contributes to the destruction of bacteria.
In medicine, Hypochlorous acid water has been used as a disinfectant and sanitiser.
In wound care, and as of early 2016 the U.S. 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.
Hypochlorous acid is also FDA-approved as a preservative for saline solutions.
In disinfection, it has been used in the form of liquid spray, wet wipes and aerosolised application.
Recent studies have shown Hypochlorus acid water to be suitable for fog and aerosolised application for disinfection chambers and suitable for disinfecting indoor settings such as offices, hospitals and healthcare clinics.
In food service and water distribution, specialized equipment to generate weak solutions of HClO from water and salt is sometimes used to generate adequate quantities of safe (unstable) disinfectant to treat food preparation surfaces and water supplies.
Hypochlorous acid is also commonly used in restaurants due to its non-flammable and nontoxic characteristics.
In water treatment, Hypochlorus acid is the active sanitizer in hypochlorite-based products (e.g. used in swimming pools).
Similarly, in ships and yachts, marine sanitation devices use electricity to convert seawater into Hypochlorus acid to disinfect macerated faecal waste before discharge into the sea.
In deodorization, Hypochlorus acid has been tested to remove up to 99% of foul odours including garbage, rotten meat, toilet, stool, and urine odours.
In organic synthesis, Hypochlorus acid converts alkenes to chlorohydrins.
In biology, Hypochlorus acid is generated in activated neutrophils by myeloperoxidase mediated peroxidation of chloride ions, and contributes to the destruction of bacteria.
Hypochlorous acid is the active sanitizer in hypochlorite based swimming pool products.
