Chemistry nomenclature

[yraveh]

Randy,
In some of your articles U refer to Hypochlorous acid and other hypo-halogen compounds (bromide).what is the reason for the "hypo" prefix? Is it because they R less (i.e. weak) acids?

 

[Genetics]

hypochlorous acid is denoted HOCl and other hypo-halogens would follow the same suit. Bromide would be HOBr. Its from the disassociation of Cl2 or Br2 in water and occurs only at a small percentage from total Cl2 dissolved.

 

[yraveh]

I did not understand from your reply why it is called hypo which means less or below normal.

 

[toaster77]

Re: Chemistry nomenclature

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14168169#post14168169 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yraveh
Randy,
In some of your articles U refer to Hypochlorous acid and other hypo-halogen compounds (bromide).what is the reason for the "hypo" prefix? Is it because they R less (i.e. weak) acids?

I believe the "hypo" refers to the charge of the halogen atom in the acid - so when it is "undercharged" it is referred to as hypo...

HClO = hypochlorous acid (Cl has +1 charge)
HClO2 = chlorous acid (Cl has +3 charge)
HClO3 = chloric acid (Cl has +5 charge)
HClO4 = hyperchloric acid (Cl has +7 charge)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The chlorine atom in hypochlorous acid, HOCl, is in a less oxidized state than in hydrochloric acid. In hydrochloric acid (HCl), the chlorine has a negative one charge. In hypochlorous it has a plus one charge.

 

[KevChem]

Re: Re: Chemistry nomenclature

Re: Re: Chemistry nomenclature

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14168727#post14168727 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by toaster77
I believe the "hypo" refers to the charge of the halogen atom in the acid - so when it is "undercharged" it is referred to as hypo...

HClO = hypochlorous acid (Cl has +1 charge)
HClO2 = chlorous acid (Cl has +3 charge)
HClO3 = chloric acid (Cl has +5 charge)
HClO4 = hyperchloric acid (Cl has +7 charge)

HClO4 is just perchloric acid.

 

[toaster77]

Re: Re: Re: Chemistry nomenclature

Re: Re: Re: Chemistry nomenclature

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14169039#post14169039 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by KevChem
HClO4 is just perchloric acid.

Sure, I know HClO4 is more commonly known as perchloric acid, but I think the "per" might be short for "hyper" , at least from what I remember learning in high school.

 

[Boomer]

This will fix you up


Chemical nomenclature
http://www.shodor.org/unchem/basic/nomen/index.html

 

[yraveh]

Boomer,
Great link!

 

[HighlandReefer]

+1
Great link Boomer. Nice review for some of us who have been out of Chemistry Class for too long to remember.