Chlorine (Coursework Sample)

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Derived from the Greek word khloros, which means green, Chlorine is an element that is a chemical in nature. The chemical symbol for Chlorine is cl, and it has an atomic number of 17. On the periodic table, Chlorine is a halogen, found on the third period of the seventh group. Chlorine is a nonmetal that has been in use for a long time, in the production of many commodities used by human beings in their daily activities (Tocci, 89). The element is diatomic in nature, meaning that it has to exist as two atoms in standard conditions. Carl Wilhelm Scheele carried out the Characterization of the gas, in 1774. Scheele viewed it as an oxide of a rather new element. However, in 1809 chemical experts suggested that this gas could be a pure element. Sir Humphrey Davy, who then named it from the Greek word, later confirmed this in 1810: khlôros, which as earlier mentioned means pale green.
Physical properties of Chlorine
Chlorine is a very distinct gas physically. The gas has a yellow green color that makes it very identifiable. The gas also exhibits a unique odor that can be very familiar to many people as common bleach. The gas is diatomic in nature at standard pressure and temperature. The bonds between the two molecules are rather weak. This is the reason why the element exists in gaseous form. This is also the reason why the element is highly reactive. The boiling point of Chlorine in a regular atmosphere is recorded at -340C. Although chlorine exists as a gas, it can also exist as a liquid when pressurized at 740kPa and above. Since the chlorine atom is yellow green, it is necessary to note that the ions, a smaller component, of the gas are colorless (Tocci, 89).
Chemical properties of Chlorine
Chlorine is a very reactive non-metal. The element reacts with most compounds that are organic. Chlorine has also been found to support the burning or as it is known in scientific terms, combustion of hydrocarbons. This compound is made up of both hydrogen and carbon. Chlorine is highly soluble in both warm and cold water. Chlorine reacts with water to form two compounds namely hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid, when it dissolves in water. Chlorine gas exists in either an acidic of neutral solution only. Chlorine reacts with almost all elements forming chlorides (Watt, 32). Chlorides are some of the most viable anions in nature. The chloride for hydrogen, for example, as well as hydrochloric acid, its aqueous solution, is produced on a large scale annually. This is despite the fact that they have been known for depletion of the ozone layer and are not recommended by environmentalists.
Industrial chlorine is normally produced through the electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride dissolved in water. The solution of saturated sodium chloride dissolved in water is known as brine. This method was officially industrialized in the year1892. Today, it provides all industries with large amounts of chlorine gas. The method also yields a reasonable amount hydrogen as well as sodium hydroxide. Ironically, sodium hydroxide is the byproduct of this process yet, it is the most significant product of all.
Small portions of the chlorine gas can be manufactured in the laboratory through reacting manganese dioxide and hydrochloric acid. Similarly, a highly reactive acid, a good example of which is sulfuric acid or even hydrochloric acid, can also be reacted with a solution of sodium hypochlorite to give chlorine gas in return. The strong acids also react with sodium chlorate, with chlorine gas and chlorine dioxide gas as a byproduct.
Uses of chlorine
Chlorine is used for a variety of reasons. It can be used as a purifier and disinfectant, in the manufacture of polymers and plastics, in the manufacture of solvents and the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It is also used for the manufacture of other products in which it is not part of the finished product.
Chlorine has been used in the past as well as in current times as a water purification agent. It has been found to be the ultimate defense against microbiological infection from waterborne pathogens (Saucerman, 52). Countries like China, Peru, India and most African countries are using chlorine in the fight against cholera.
Chlorine is also critical in the production of numerous commercial products. Products that rely on the unique properties exhibited by chlorine include household cleaning products such as disinfectant and bleach. Other products include computer hardware, bullet-resistant vests, silicon chips, and automotive parts.
The Standard of living for many people is improved through the use of many products that rely on chlorine for their production. The most notable product is PVC, which is one of the most versatile polymers available (Watt, 66). PVC is easy to clean, durable, stain resistant, corrosion resistant, and light and requires no maintenance. Other polymers that are made from chlorine include polyurethane that is flexible and rigid polycarbonates, which is a strong alternative to other products. Temperature-resistant PTFE is a nonstick material used to make bakery tins, frying pans and irons. There is also Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), which is a resin used for their coating properties for barriers, and particularly in the packaging of food.
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