A solution is prepared by dissolving 0.23 mol of hypochlorous acid and 0.27 mol of sodium hypochlorite in water sufficient to yield 1.00 L of solution. The addition of 0.05 mol of HCl to this buffer solution causes the pH to drop slightly. The pH does not decrease drastically because the HCl reacts with the ________ present in the buffer solution. The Ka of hypochlorous acid is 1.36 × 10-3.