🧪 Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It belongs to the halogen group and is highly reactive. In its elemental form, chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas with a strong, irritating odor.
- Symbol: Cl
- Atomic Number: 17
- Molecular Form (gas): Cl₂
- State at Room Temperature: Gas
- Boiling Point: −34.04°C
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Common Forms:
- Gas (elemental chlorine)
- Liquid (pressurized)
- Solid compounds (e.g., calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, trichloroisocyanuric acid)
💧 Common Uses of Chlorine
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Water Disinfection:
- Used to treat drinking water, swimming pools, and wastewater.
- Kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
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Bleaching Agent:
- Used in the paper and textile industries.
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Household Cleaners:
- Found in bleach and disinfectants (e.g., sodium hypochlorite solutions).
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Chemical Manufacturing:
- Used to produce PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other plastics.
- Involved in making solvents, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
⚠️ Safety and Precautions
- Toxic if inhaled or ingested.
- Can cause severe respiratory irritation and skin burns.
- Chlorine gas is particularly dangerous in high concentrations.
- Always store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances like acids and organics.
🌍 Environmental Impact
- Useful for disinfection, but overuse or improper disposal can harm aquatic ecosystems.
- Chlorine by-products (e.g., chloramines, trihalomethanes) can form in treated water and require regulation.