Hypohalites

Hypohalites are chemical compounds containing the hypohalite ion, with the general formula XO⁻, where X is a halogen element from Group 17 of the periodic table (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine). Hypohalites are the conjugate bases of hypohalous acids (HOX) and represent the lowest oxidation state (+1) of halogens in their oxoanions.thumb|right|Hypochlorite (ClO−)Hypohalites are also encountered in organic chemistry, often as acyl hypohalites (see the Hunsdiecker reaction). Sodium hypohalite is used in the haloform reaction as a test for methyl ketones.