What is the Difference Between Hypochlorous Acid and Hydrochloric Acid?

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) are both acidic substances, but they differ in several aspects:

1. Dissociation: Hypochlorous acid partially dissociates in an aqueous solution, while hydrochloric acid completely dissociates.
2. Strength: Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid, whereas hydrochloric acid is a strong acid.
3. Chemical Formula: Hypochlorous acid has the chemical formula HClO, while hydrochloric acid has the chemical formula HCl.
4. Oxidation/Reduction: HCl is a reducing agent, as it contains chlorine in its lowest oxidation state of -1. In contrast, HClO is an oxidizing agent, as it contains chlorine in the positive +1 oxidation state.
5. Stability: Hydrochloric acid is a relatively stable compound, while hypochlorous acid is unstable and decomposes slowly into HCl and oxygen.

Both substances have various applications. Hypochlorous acid is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis and as a disinfectant due to its strong antimicrobial properties. It is also used in deodorization, where it can remove up to 99% of foul odors. On the other hand, hydrochloric acid is used in various industrial processes, such as the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, and as a laboratory reagent.

Comparative Table: Hypochlorous Acid vs Hydrochloric Acid

Here is a table comparing the differences between hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hydrochloric acid (HCl):

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with the chemical formula HClO, while hydrochloric acid is a strong acid with the chemical formula HCl. The acid strength, dissociation properties, and applications of these acids differ as shown in the table above.