Chlorous Acid Formula

What is Chlorous Acid?

This article deals with chlorous acid formula. Chlorous acid refers to an inorganic compound and it is a weak acid. Chlorine has a +3 oxidation state in this particular acid. Furthermore, the pure substance of chlorous acid is unstable, it disproportionates to chloric acid and hypochlorous acid. Although it can be difficult to obtain this acid in its pure form, the derived conjugate base from this acid, known as chlorite, is stable. A good example of this anion’s salt is sodium chlorite. Sodium chlorite and salts in relation to it have a usage in the production of chlorine dioxide. Moreover, experts also refer to chlorous acid as chloride saeure.

In its isolated form, chlorous acid is a colorless liquid. Furthermore, this acid is without a characteristic aroma. Moreover, this acid happens to be a strong oxidizing agent. Also, chlorous acid is incompatible with reducing agents and alkalis. People widely use it as a mouthwash for the reduction of plaque.

Derivation of Chlorous Acid Formula

Chlorous acid formula happens to be \(HClO_{2}\). Moreover, the molar mass of this is \(68.46 g mol^{-1}\). Furthermore, the formation of the structure takes place by one proton \(H^{+}\), whose attachment is to a chlorite anion \(ClO_{2}^{-}\). Also, the extended formula of chlorous acid happens to be O=Cl-OH.

 Physical Properties of Chlorous Acid

The determination of the physical properties of chlorous acid has not taken place correctly due to the high instability. Furthermore, chlorous acid has a 1.96 pKa and its determination takes place as the stability of the conjugated base of an acid that is determined.  Moreover, a value of 1.96 is an indication that the conjugated base chlorite \(ClO_{2}^{-}\) is stable.  The boiling point of chlorous acid is at a temperature of 502.07 °C.

Chemical Properties of Chlorous Acid

Chlorous acid is unstable and it reacts to result in the formation of  chloric acid and hypochlorous acid, one of them comes due to the reduction of \(Cl^{3+}\) to \(Cl^{+1}\), while the second from the oxidation of \(Cl^{3+}\) to \(Cl^{5+}\):

\(2HClO_{2}\rightarrow HClO+HClO_{3}\)

Stability of Chlorous Acid

Chlorous acid happens to be a powerful oxidizing agent. Furthermore, the tendency of chlorous acid regarding disproportionation counteracts its oxidizing potential.

Chlorine is the only halogen that results in the formation of an isolable acid of formula \(HXO_{2}\). Neither iodous acid nor bromous acid has ever been isolated. Experts know about a few salts of bromous acid but not about iodites.

Uses of Chlorous Acid

Chlorous acid has very limited uses due to its instability. Moreover, the conjugated base chlorite has usage as a sodium salt. Furthermore, this salt has usage in some industrial processes like chlorine dioxide production.

Safety Hazards of Chlorous Acid

As is the case with many compounds that contains chlorine, chlorous acid can be very harmful if someone swallows or inhales it. Furthermore, chlorous acid can result in severe damage to mucous, skin, and eyes. If someone wears contact lenses and chlorous acid comes into contact with the eyes, then one must immediately take them off and wash the eyes with water for 15 minutes by keeping the eyelids open.  Also, one must avoid the use of any ointment. In case this acid comes into contact with the clothing, then one must quickly remove the clothing and take a bath immediately. Furthermore, it happens to be a strong oxidizing agent but has limited reactivity. This is due to its poor stability.

Solved Question For You

Question- What is chlorous acid and its formula?

Answer- Chlorous acid refers to a weak acid that is an inorganic compound. Moreover, in this acid, chlorine has a +3 oxidation state. Chlorous acid formula happens to be \(HClO_{2}\).