Chlorine gas (Cl₂) is a greenish-yellow gas at room temperature and pressure. It has several important properties:
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Physical State: Chlorine is a diatomic molecule and exists as a gas at room temperature.
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Color and Odor: It has a distinctive greenish-yellow color and a strong, pungent odor.
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Solubility: Chlorine is slightly soluble in water (about 0.5 g per 100 mL at 20°C), and it forms a pale yellow solution known as chlorine water. It is more soluble in organic solvents.
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Density: Chlorine gas is denser than air, with a density of about 3.2 g/L at standard conditions.
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Reactivity: Chlorine is a highly reactive halogen and can readily react with many substances, including metals and organic compounds. It is a strong oxidizing agent.
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Toxicity: Chlorine gas is toxic and can cause respiratory problems, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin upon exposure. It can be lethal in high concentrations.
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Boiling and Melting Points: Chlorine has a boiling point of -34.04 °C (-29.27 °F) and a melting point of -101.5 °C (-150.7 °F).
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Chemical Behavior: Chlorine reacts with hydrogen to form hydrogen chloride (HCl), and it can also form various chlorinated compounds through reactions with hydrocarbons.
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Electronegativity: Chlorine has a high electronegativity value of 3.16 on the Pauling scale, which contributes to its reactivity and ability to form covalent bonds.
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Uses: Chlorine is widely used for disinfection, water treatment, in the production of chlorinated solvents, and in the manufacturing of plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
These properties make chlorine an important chemical in both industrial applications and laboratory settings, but its toxicity also warrants careful handling.
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