Chlorous Acid | Preparation, Properties, Uses, Hazards |

Chlorous Acid.

It is an inorganic chemical compound having molecular formula HClO2 .It has ane proton H⁺ attached to chlorite anion ClO2 .It is oxyacid of chlorine where the oxidation solid lay down of Cl is 3⁺. It is too known equally hydrochlorous acid.

Lewis Structure of Chlorous Acid.

Electronic Configuration.
Hydrogen 1s¹.

Oxygen [He] 2s² 2p⁴.

Chlorine [Ne] 3s² 3p⁵.

Molecular Geometry.

Central the metallic atom is Cl containing vii valance electron. The ane 3s in addition to 3 3p orbital of chlorine intermix in addition to redistribute liberate energy to shape novel 4 equivalent hybrid orbital then according to VSEPR theory hybridization of Chlorous Acid is sp3.

ClO₂ - ion has an angular shape alongside a bond angle of virtually 111°.

Stability.

It is a weak acid. Its pKa value is 1.96. The pure centre of chlorous acid is unstable then the conjugate base of such acid is chlorite ion which is stable. It's acid dissociation constant K a is 1.2 × 10^-2.

Preparation of Chlorous Acid.

It is obtained yesteryear treating a recess of barium chlorite alongside dil. Sulfuric acid in addition to filtering of the precipitates of BaSO₄ .

Physical Properties of Chlorous Acid.

1. It is a colorless liquid when isolated without a feature smell.
2. Its molecular weight is 68.456 g/mol.
3. It has no cyberspace charge.

Chemical Properties of Chlorous Acid.

1. The freshly the prepared solution of acid is colorless but presently decomposes to ClO₂ yellowish solution. It gives a violet color alongside FeSO₄.
2. It is powerful oxidizing agent.
3. It liberates iodine from an iodide.

   
4. The acid undergoes auto-oxidation/reduction at ordinary temperature in addition to changes into HClO and HClO₃.

   
5. HClO₂  disproportionation to hypochlorous acid(Cl¹⁺ ) in addition to chloric acid (Cl⁵⁺ ). Reduction of Cl³⁺  to Cl¹⁺  and oxidation of Cl³⁺  to Cl⁵⁺.

Chlorous Acid Uses.

1. Chlorous acid is reported equally an effective bleaching agent because of its role for the removal of lignin and noncarbohydrate components from woods pulp without activity on carbohydrates.
2. Sodium common salt of chlorite ion is used inwards to a greater extent than or less industrial processes equally the production of chlorine dioxide. It tin live prepared yesteryear the reaction of ClO₂  with aqueous NaOH.

   
3. Calcium chlorite is a strong oxidizing agent. It tin live prepared yesteryear the reaction of chlorous acid with calcium carbonate.

   

   It is white granular corporation crystallizes equally the hexahydrate. It is noncombustible in addition to accelerates the burning of combustible materials. It is decomposed yesteryear H2O to shape calcium hydroxide and chlorine dioxide an explosive oxidizing gas.
   

   

Chlorous Acid Hazards.

Chlorous acid is an unstable chemical compound in addition to potent oxidizing agent then it is harmful if swallowed or inhaled, travail severe damages in addition to irritation inwards representative of contact alongside pare in addition to eyes equally it contains chlorine. If acid comes inwards to contact alongside pare it should live washed alongside mutual frigidness H2O using a non-abrasive soap.

Sodium chlorite is corrosive for equipment. So it is necessary to role ceramic, plastic or exceptional steel equipment for the bleaching process.

Author, Kaiser Saleem