Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green, highly reactive gas that is widely used in a variety of industries.
Properties of Chlorine:
- Chlorine is a yellow-green gas that is highly reactive and soluble in water.
- It has a pungent, irritating odor and is dangerous to inhale in large amounts.
- Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent and is highly reactive with many organic and inorganic compounds.
Uses of Chlorine:
- Water treatment: Chlorine is widely used as a disinfectant in water treatment to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens.
- Bleaching: Chlorine is used as a bleaching agent in the production of paper, textiles, and other products.
- Chemical synthesis: Chlorine is used as a starting material in the synthesis of a wide range of chemicals, including plastics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
- Swimming pools: Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in swimming pools to keep the water clean and safe for swimming.
Sources of Chlorine:
- Salt: Chlorine is obtained from the electrolysis of salt (sodium chloride) in a process known as the chloralkali process.
- Sea water: Chlorine is present in seawater, and it can be obtained by evaporating seawater and collecting the chlorine gas.
Production of Chlorine:
- Chlorine is produced by the electrolysis of salt (sodium chloride) in a process known as the chloralkali process.
- In this process, an electric current is passed through a solution of salt, which splits the salt into sodium and chlorine.
In conclusion, chlorine is a yellow-green, highly reactive gas that is widely used in a variety of industries, including water treatment, bleaching, chemical synthesis, and swimming pools. Chlorine is obtained from the electrolysis of salt and from seawater, and it is produced by the chloralkali process. Chlorine is a highly reactive and dangerous substance, and care must be taken when handling it to avoid injury or harm.