chlorous acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2/Professional)Highly technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “chlorous acid” mean?
A weak, unstable acid (HClO₂) containing chlorine in the +3 oxidation state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A weak, unstable acid (HClO₂) containing chlorine in the +3 oxidation state.
Primarily a technical chemical term for a specific inorganic oxyacid of chlorine. Its salts are called chlorites. The term is confined to chemistry contexts and has no metaphorical or everyday usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow general rules (e.g., 'sulphur' vs. 'sulfur' in related contexts, but 'chlorous' is invariant).
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specialized chemistry textbooks, research papers, and industrial contexts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “chlorous acid” in a Sentence
Chlorous acid is formed by...The dissociation of chlorous acid yields...X reacts with Y to produce chlorous acid.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chlorous acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chlorous acid solution was carefully cooled.
- They studied the chlorous acid decomposition kinetics.
American English
- The chlorous acid solution was carefully cooled.
- Researchers analyzed the chlorous acid decomposition pathway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potentially in highly specific chemical manufacturing or water treatment supply contracts.
Academic
Exclusively in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related physical science disciplines.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary and only context. Used when discussing oxyacids of chlorine, redox chemistry, bleaching agents, or disinfectants.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chlorous acid”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chlorous acid”
- Misspelling as 'chloric acid' or 'chloricous acid'.
- Using it as a general adjective (e.g., 'a chlorous taste').
- Confusing its salts (chlorites) with chloride (Cl⁻) or chlorate (ClO₃⁻).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As an unstable acid, it can be hazardous in concentrated forms, decomposing to release chlorine dioxide, a toxic and explosive gas. It should only be handled with proper expertise and safety measures.
It is not typically used directly due to its instability. Its importance lies in its salts, the chlorites (e.g., sodium chlorite), which are used in bleaching textiles, paper pulp, and in some water disinfection processes.
They are completely different compounds. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong, common acid where chlorine has a -1 oxidation state. Chlorous acid (HClO₂) is a weak, unstable oxyacid where chlorine has a +3 oxidation state.
No, you cannot purchase pure chlorous acid. It is too unstable to be bottled and sold. It is typically generated in situ for laboratory studies or exists in dilute aqueous solutions of its salts under specific acidic conditions.
A weak, unstable acid (HClO₂) containing chlorine in the +3 oxidation state.
Chlorous acid is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Chlorous acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːrəs ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːrəs ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Chlorous has an 'O U S' – think of it as the acid where chlorine is in an 'O U S' (ous) state (+3), lower than 'ic' chloric acid (+5).
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable. The term is a literal label for a chemical entity.
Practice
Quiz
What is the oxidation state of chlorine in chlorous acid (HClO₂)?