hypochlorous acid

 
Pronunciation: /ˌhʌɪpə(ʊ)ˈklɔːrəs/

noun

[mass noun] Chemistry
  • a weak acid with oxidizing properties formed when chlorine dissolves in cold water and used in bleaching and water treatment.
    • Chemical formula: HOCl

Derivatives

hypochlorite

noun

Origin:

mid 19th century: hypochlorous from hypo- (denoting an element in a low valency) + chlorine + -ous