Chlorine (Cl₂) : Essential Disinfectant and Industrial Chemical
Chlorine is a highly reactive, greenish-yellow gas with a pungent odor, widely used for water treatment and disinfection.
Key Facts:
- Symbol: Cl₂
- Atomic Number: 17
- Physical State: Gas at room temperature; can be liquefied
- Uses:
- Disinfection of drinking water and swimming pools
- Production of bleach and cleaning agents
- Manufacturing of PVC plastics and other chemicals
- Sanitizing surfaces in healthcare and food industries
Safety:
- Chlorine gas is toxic and corrosive; inhalation or skin contact can be hazardous
- Must be handled with proper ventilation and protective equipment