Hypochlorous Acid Testing

Because of its ability to penetrate pathogens’ membranes, it is also used as a commercial deodoriser.

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.

It is relatively easy to make. However it is difficult to maintain a stable hypochlorous acid solution. It is not until recent years that scientists have been able to cost-effectively produce and maintain hypochlorous acid water for stable commercial use.

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. To clarify this is exactly the same substance that is your immune system’s germ fighter. 

There has been extensive research on the gentleness and efficacy of HOCl when it comes to killing bacteria. Furthermore it is so trusted and effective that hospitals use it as a disinfectant in both the US and Japan.

It can be synthesized by one of the three methods:

(a) Hydrolysis of chlorine gas

Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + H+ + Cl−

(b) Electrolysis of salt solution

2Cl−+ 2e− → Cl2 (I)

Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + H+ + Cl− (II)

(c) Acidification of hypochlorite

OCl− + H+ → HOCl

The proportion of HOCl and hypochlorite ion (OCl-) in a solution depends on its pH. The predominant species is HOCl between pH 3 and 6. Within this pH range, the concentration of HOCl is at its best and its dissociation is least likely.

At higher pH, OCl− is formed, whereas at lower pH, the solution exists as a mixture of chlorine (Cl2) and HOCl in solution.