Cl2 (chlorine gas)

Introduction

Chlorine gas is a greenish toxic gas with electrophilic & oxidizing properties.

produced by electrolysis of NaCl

Characteristics

• yellowish green, dense, sharp-smelling gas
• liquid chlorine burns skin
• chlorine gas irritates mucous membranes
• breathing gas can be fatal
• oxidizing agent

Uses

• disinfectant & bleaching agent in the form of hypochlorite*
• one of top manufactured chemical in US
• plastics (polyvinyl chloride)
• stain removers
• used as a poison gas during World War 1

Cl2  + OH-  <-->  H+ + OCl- + Cl-

Laboratory

• chlorine in air
• chlorine in water
  • chlorine.free in water
• chlorine in dialysis fluid

More general terms

• small molecule

Additional terms

• chlorine [Cl]

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=24726