Science

The History of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)

The Beginning of Time

Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is naturally produced by white blood cells in the human body.

1834 - The Discovery

HOCl was first discovered in 1834 by Antoine Jérôme Balard, a French chemist known for his work on halogens. He produced HOCl by reacting chlorine gas with a dilute suspension of mercury(II) oxide in water. A Balard not only discovered the acid but also named it and identified its unique chemical behaviour. However, due to its instability in solution, HOCl remained a scientific curiosity for decades, with limited practical use.

1914 First Known Clinical Use

The first known clinical use of HOCl was during World War I where HOCl was used in field hospitals for wound irrigation and disinfection, but it had to be made fresh on-site due to its rapid degradation.

1945 Published Articles

In 1945 research on HOCl focused on its use as an aerial disinfectant, particularly in London hospitals. Over 1200 have now been written about the clinical use of HOCl.

1960 Start of On-demand Production

In the 1960s, researchers began experimenting with electrolysis of saltwater (NaCl + H₂O) to generate HOCl. This method allowed for:

On-demand production
Avoidance of toxic by products
Use in water treatment and sanitation

However, stabilizing HOCl for packaging and storage remained a major challenge.

2000's Onwards

In the early 2000’s, companies developed methods to stabilise HOCl in solution, allowing it to be bottled, stored, and shipped with a shelf life of several months.

The big breakthrough led to a surge in HOCl applications across industries:

Healthcare: wound care, surgical prep, infection control
Food safety: produce washing, surface sanitation
Veterinary: animal care, barn disinfection
Public health: COVID-19 disinfection, hand sanitizers
Water treatment: safe, eco-friendly disinfection

Today - Global Recognition

Today, HOCl is:

Approved by the EN (EU) for use against pathogens including SARS-CoV-2
Recognized by the FDA for wound care and eye applications
Compliant with EU Biocidal Products Regulation
Used by hospitals, airlines, food processors, and even in homes

From battlefield medicine to modern Hospitals, HOCl has evolved from a fragile laboratory acid to a safe, stable, and powerful disinfectant. Its natural origin, broad-spectrum efficacy, and environmental safety make it one of the most promising tools in the future of hygiene and infection control.

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