Chlorous acid
Chemical compound / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chlorous acid is an inorganic compound with the formula HClO2. It is a weak acid. Chlorine has oxidation state +3 in this acid. The pure substance is unstable, disproportionating to hypochlorous acid (Cl oxidation state +1) and chloric acid (Cl oxidation state +5):
- 2 HClO2 → HClO + HClO3
Quick Facts Names, Identifiers ...
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IUPAC name
Chlorous acid, Chloric (III) acid | |
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Properties | |
H Cl O2 | |
Molar mass | 68.46 g/mol |
Acidity (pKa) | 1.96 |
Conjugate base | Chlorite |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Although the acid is difficult to obtain in pure substance, the conjugate base, chlorite, derived from this acid is stable. One example of a salt of this anion is the well-known sodium chlorite. This and related salts are sometimes used in the production of chlorine dioxide.