Chlorine is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and belongs to the group of elements known as halogens, which are located in Group 17 of the periodic table. It is highly reactive, particularly with alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, forming a variety of compounds such as chlorides. Chlorine is widely used for its disinfectant properties, especially in water treatment and sanitation.
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Chlorine has an atomic number of 17 and is represented by the symbol 'Cl'.
It exists in two stable isotopes: Cl-35 and Cl-37, with Cl-35 being more abundant.
Chlorine gas is toxic and can cause respiratory issues if inhaled, hence proper safety measures are necessary when handling it.
In addition to water treatment, chlorine is used in the production of various chemicals, including plastics like PVC and solvents.
When chlorine reacts with organic compounds, it can form chlorinated hydrocarbons, some of which are environmentally hazardous.
Review Questions
How does chlorine's position on the periodic table influence its chemical reactivity compared to other elements?
Chlorine's position in Group 17 of the periodic table signifies that it is a halogen, which inherently makes it highly reactive due to its desire to achieve a full valence shell by gaining an electron. This high reactivity is contrasted with elements in Groups 1 and 2, which tend to lose electrons. As a halogen, chlorine can readily react with metals and nonmetals alike to form various compounds.
Discuss the role of chlorine in water treatment processes and the potential risks associated with its use.
Chlorine plays a crucial role in water treatment as it effectively kills bacteria and pathogens, making water safe for consumption. However, its use also poses risks; exposure to chlorine gas can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. Moreover, when chlorine reacts with organic materials in water, it can produce harmful by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs), which are linked to health concerns.
Evaluate the environmental impacts of chlorinated compounds formed during industrial processes involving chlorine and propose ways to mitigate these effects.
Chlorinated compounds resulting from industrial processes can have severe environmental impacts, including pollution of water bodies and harm to wildlife. Many chlorinated hydrocarbons are persistent organic pollutants that do not break down easily in nature. To mitigate these effects, industries can adopt cleaner production technologies that minimize or eliminate the use of chlorine in manufacturing processes. Additionally, regulatory measures could enforce stricter limits on the release of these compounds into the environment.
Related terms
Halogens: A group of five chemically related elements that include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine, known for their reactivity and tendency to form salts with metals.
Chloride: An ionic compound formed when chlorine gains an electron, commonly found in table salt (sodium chloride) and other compounds.
Electronegativity: A measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons, with chlorine having a high electronegativity value due to its reactive nature.