THE DECOMPOSITION OF HYPOCHLOROUS ACID

Abstract

The rate of decomposition of hypochlorous acid has been measured in aqueous solution in the presence of much sodium hypochlorite. The rate is nearly independent of the hypochlorite concentration, and proportional to the square of the hypochlorous acid concentration. Hence the mechanism proposed is[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]The first step is the slower. The reaction[Formula: see text]also occurs, but is much slower. Oxygen is also evolved, by a first order reaction. Values for the rate constants at different temperatures of all these reactions are given. Measurements are also reported on certain equilibria present in these solutions: the ionization of hypochlorous and chlorous acids, and the reaction [Formula: see text].Details of modified analytical methods for hypochlorite and chlorate in the presence of chlorite are given.