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Do you remember the content in AS/A-level Chemistry regarding Halogens? 👨🏫
- Halogens undergo disproportionation with alkalis. The halogens will react with cold dilute alkali solutions. In these reactions, the halogen is simultaneously oxidised and reduced, called disproportionation.
- Chlorine and sodium hydroxide make bleach. If you mix chlorine gas with sodium hydroxide at room temperature you get sodium chlorate (I) solution, which is common household bleach. The bleach has lots of uses- it’s used in water treatment, to bleach paper and textiles and it’s good for cleaning toilets. Chlorine is used to kill bacteria in water. When you mix chlorine and water, it undergoes disproportionation. You end up with a mixture of hydrochloric acid and chloric acid.
- Aqueous chloric acid ionises to make ions called hypochlorite ions. These chlorate ions kill bacteria. So, adding chlorine or a compound containing chlorine, to water can make it safe to drink or swim in.
- Chlorine in water- there are benefits, risks and ethical implications.
- Aqueous chloric acid ionises to make ions called hypochlorite ions. These chlorate ions kill bacteria. So, adding chlorine or a compound containing chlorine, to water can make it safe to drink or swim in.
- Chlorine in water- there are benefits, risks and ethical implications.
- 👍🏻Chlorine is an important part of water treatment:
- It kills disease causing microorganisms
- Some chlorine remains in water and prevents reinfection further down the supply
- It prevents the growth of algae, eliminating bad tastes and smells, and removes discolouration caused by organic compounds.
- 👎🏻However, there are risks from using chlorine to treat water:
- Chlorine gas is very harmful if breathed in, it irritates the respiratory system.
- Liquid chlorine on the skin or eyes causes severe chemical burns.
- Accidents involving chlorine could be really serious or even fatal
This is the end of the topic!
Drafted by Cherry (Chemistry)