Chlorine Gas

Introduction

Chlorine gas is a green yellowish gas having the chemical structure Cl₂. Cl–Cl is famously known as the element form of chlorine. It consists of a structure that consists of two chlorine atoms connected by a covalent connection. It is seen that both atoms have sp3 orientation. The meaning of this structure refers to that it has a tetrahedral structure.It has a specific chemical structure and formula which will be described below.

What is Chlorine gas?

Chlorine is a stifling greenish-yellow gas with a foul odor. It can be liquefied around 35°C and is water soluble to a degree. This gas is sold as compressed liquefied gas and contains both physical and chemical properties. [Ne]¹⁰3s²3p⁵ is the electrical configuration of this gas and it also exists in the form of Chloride.

Figure 1 − Methane and chlorine

Chlorine contains two stable isotopes and is $\mathrm{^{37}Cl\:and\:^{35}Cl}$. Here, the stable radioisotope of chlorine is ³⁶Cl. The most common chemical of chlorine is sodium chloride. Sodium chloride’s molecular formula is NaCl and it has a high reactivity capacity. It has also harmful effects on health if it is inhaled in a large amount. It caused skin discomfort and it irritates the eyes. It is a strong oxidizing agent and that is the reason it can potentially cause a fire. Chlorine is called one of the electrolytes presents in the body and control body fluid, acid levels, and related physiological activities.

Structure

Figure 2 − Structure of Chlorine gas

Chlorine gas has the chemical structure Cl₂ and this gas has a molecular weight of 70 g/mol. The element form of chlorine is Cl–Cl and it means that it has a structure that consists of two chlorine atoms connected by a covalent connection. In this part, both of the atoms have sp³ orientation, which means they have a tetrahedral structure.

Properties

Chlorine bears both the physical and chemical properties and both of the properties show different features. It has the color yellow-green and contains an odor comparable to that of household bleach. It has the ability to be solubility in water and interacts with water to create hypo-chorus and hydrochloric acids. It is sold as compressed liquefied gas and it can be liquefied around 35°C. The table can describe the physical property easily −

Chlorine chemical formula	$\mathrm{Cl_{2}}$
Molecular weight	70.906 g/mol
Density	3.2 g/lt
Melting point	-101.5°C
Boiling point	-34.038°C

Table 1 − Physical properties of Chlorine gas

This gas also contains chemical properties and it is seen that Chlorine gas are similar to those of elemental Chlorine. It has the $\mathrm{[Ne]^{10}3s^{2}3p^{5}}$ configuration of the Chlorine atom. It reacts with organic compounds and ammonia for the formation of Chloro-organics or Chloramines. These Chloramines are the part of the Chlorine compound groups having disinfectant properties. It also acts as a reducing agent present in wastewater. This reaction is named Chlorine demand and bears the formula −

$$\mathrm{H_{2}O\:+\:Cl_{2}\:\rightarrow\:HCl\:+\:HClO}$$.

Uses

The gas has disinfecting characteristics and that is the reason this gas is employed in water treatment. It is also used as a bleaching agent in the paper industry. This gas is an inorganic gas that is utilized in controlled quantities in the chemical industry. There is a controversy about this gas as it has been used in chemical weapons. It contains a non- metallic cheracteristics and that is why this molecule is very reactive and has high electro negativity. It is called a halogen and the most well-known chemical is Sodium Chloride (NaCl). A bleaching agent is used for keeping viruses and germs out of drinking water. Other uses are in pharmaceuticals, dyes, agriculture, and automobile industries.

Chlorine toxicity

Figure 3 − Chlorpyrifos

Chlorine is called a toxic gas as it has harmful effects on human as well as natural lives. The aquatic water is getting disturbed due to the cause of Chlorine. Humans can detect very low level of Chlorine gas. The presence of 1-3 ppm of Chlorine can cause irritation in the throat, nose, and eyes. The 5-15 ppm cause moderate mucous membrane irritation and 30 ppm can cause cough, breathing problem, and chest pain. It can also have fatal effects in the presence of 400 ppm Chlorine gas within 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Chlorine gas is classified as the pulmonary agent or choking agent. It can cause various harmful effects on human health and causes much damage to the tissues. It is soluble in water and it bears the chemical formula Cl2. Chlorine gas is green-yellow in color and has a pungent odor. It belongs to the halogen group and can easily be found in the natural state. It should have to be handled carefully because it is poisonous at low concentrations. The harmful effect of this gas is that it is used as chemical weapons throughout history.

FAQs

1. Is Chlorine gas illegal?

It is a toxic gas but it does not have the level of toxicity that it can efficiently be used as a chemical weapon. The use of Chlorine gas is not prohibited but its use as a weapon is prohibited.

2. What are the main uses of this gas?

It is mainly used as a chemical weapon and it helps in wastewater treatment for disinfection. This gas helps in controlling odor and it helps in pulp and paper mill systems and industrial water-cooling systems. It is widely used in municipal treatment and various industrial practices.

3. What does Chlorine gas do to a person?

Chlorine gas is harmful to health and it is corrosive and irritating. It affects the respiratory tract, skin, and the eyes of humans. It is seen that exposure to chlorine may cause burning of throat, nose, and eyes. Chlorine gas can also be fatal at 430 ppm within 30 minutes.