CHLORINE
INTRODUCTION
Generally, halogens are group vii elements that exists as diatomic
molecules e.g. F2, Cl2, Br2 I2. Halogens have, among other properties,
oxidizing ability, and members at the top of the group displacing lower
members from their aqeous solutions being more reactive. E.g.
F2(g) + 2NaCl(aq) 2NaF(aq) + Cl2(g)
F2 + 2Cl-(aq) → 2F-(aq) + Cl2(g)
Halogens undergo disproportionation reactions e.g.
Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + HCl
Halogens react with hydrogen and metals to form halides e.g.
H2 + F2 → 2HF
2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl, but with metals that exists in more than one
oxidation states, the halide of the higher oxidation state is formed e.g
2Fe +3Cl2 → 2FeCl3
Halogens and their compounds have numerous use e.g, Iodine prevents
goiter, chlorine water is used for bleaching, as antiseptic and disinfectant.
CaOCl2.H2O (bleaching powder) and NaOCl are also used for bleaching,
AgBr is used in photography while HCl is a laboratory reagent etc
PREPARATION OF CHLORINE IN THE LABORATORY
Chlorine is prepared in the fume cupboard by the action of concentrated
HCl on strong oxidizing agents like MnO2 or KMnO4 OR action of dilute
mineral acids on bleaching powder (CaOCl2)
N.B. Poisonous gases are prepared in the fume cupboard, other examples
are HCl(g), sulphur(iv)oxide, nitrogen(iv)oxide, carbon(ii)oxide etc
1. When MnO2 is, used , heat is required. Draw diagram from figure 33.1 ,
pg 345, Understanding chemistry
MnO2 + 4HCl → MnCl2 + 2H2O + Cl2
2. When KMnO4 is used, heat is not required
2KMnO4 + 16 HCl → 2KCl + 2MnCl2 + 8H2O + 5Cl2
The greenish yellow gas that evolves is passed through
(i) Water to remove hydrogenchloride gas
(ii) Concentrated H2SO4
Chlorine gas is then collected by downward delivery because it is denser
than air ( gases that are heavier than air are collected by downward
delivery while those that are less dense are collected by upward delivery)
3. From the action of dilute HCl on bleaching powder
CaOCl2(s) + 2HCl → CaCl2 + H2O + Cl2
Physical properties of Chlorine
1. Pure chlorine is a greenish yellow gas
2. Chlorine is a poisonous gas
3. It is denser than air
Chemical properties of Chlorine
1. Chlorine gas turns moist blue litmus paper red , then bleaches it
2. Except fluorine , chlorine displaces other halogens from their aqeous
solutions e.g. Cl2(g) + 2KBr(aq) → 2KCl(aq) + Br2
3. Chlorine gas dissolves in water to form a mixture of acids in which
chlorine has different oxidation states; Cl2(g) + H2O → HOCl + HCl
4. Chlorine gas reacts with cold dilute caustic alkalis to form two salts
i.e; 2KOH + Cl2 → KCl + KClO + H2O and with hot concentrated
alkali to form; 6KOH + 3Cl2 → 5KCl + KClO3 + 3H2O. The mixture of
salts formed shows chlorine in different oxidation states. The salts
can be separated by fractional crystallization.
5. When chlorine water is exposed to sunlight, a colourless, odourless
gas that rekindles a glowing splint is formed Cl2(g) + H2O → HOCl +
HCl. The unstable oxochlorate(i) acid then decomposes in sunlight to
liberate oxygen gas; 2HOCl → 2HCl + O2 see figure 33.4
understanding chemistry for diagram
6. Chlorine bleaches coloured fabrics and flowers by oxidation. This is
due to the formation in water of HOCl which readily releases oxygen
to the dye in the coloured material. HOCl is the bleaching agent,
hence, dry chlorine gas cannot bleach.
Dye + HClO(aq) → HCl + [ dye + O]
N.B. fabric bleached by chlorine must be thoroughly rinsed to remove
HCl that can damage it. The bleaching by chlorine is permanent
Test for chlorine gas
Dip a moistened starch-iodide paper into a jar containing chlorine
gas, the paper turns blue black due to the presence of chlorine. The
chlorine being more reactive displaces iodine, I 2 then combines with
starch to form the blue black complex
Cl2(g) + 2I-(aq) → 2Cl-(aq) + I2(g)
