Hypobromous acid

Hypobromous acid is a weak, unstable acid with chemical formula HOBr. It occurs only in solution and has chemical and physical properties that are very similar to those of hypochlorous acid.

In aqueous solution, hypobromous acid partially decomposes into the hypobromite anion BrO- (also known as the bromate(I) anion) and the proton H+. The salts of hypobromous acid are also called hypobromites.

When pure bromine is added to water, it forms hypobromous acid and hydrobromic acid (HBr):

Br2 + H2O → HOBr + HBr

HOBr is used as a bleach, an oxidizer, a deodorant, and a disinfectant, due to its ability to kill the cells of many pathogens. It is especially effective when used in combination with its coneger, hypochlorous acid.