Chlorine is one of the most widely-used inorganic basic chemicals in the world. The disinfection properties of liquid chlorine help enhance the lives of billions worldwide. It’s also an indispensable reaction component for producing countless organic and inorganic plastics and chemicals.
Chlorine is used to manufacture products that improve public health and safety like bleaches, disinfectants, insecticides, and pharmaceuticals. It’s also an essential chemical building block in computers and phones. Let’s explore some more significant benefits of chlorine chemistry.
How Is Chlorine Formed?
If Chlorine is a naturally-occurring element that’s very common, why does it need to be chemically synthesized? Chlorine is highly reactive, and it exists mainly in compounds. It bounds itself quickly to the atoms of other elements like Sodium. There are 2000+ naturally-occurring, Chlorine compounds in the world.
But, the most abundant natural source of Chlorine is table salt or Sodium Chloride (NaCl). This compound is prevalent in most mineral deposits and ocean water. When dissolved in water (H2O), Sodium Chloride (NaCl) creates a brine. When electricity is applied to this brine, it produces Chlorine Gas (Cl2), Hydrogen (H2), and Caustic Soda (NaOH).
Here’s the chemical equation: H2O + electricity + NaCl → Cl2 (gas) + H2 (gas) + NaOH
This chlorine manufacturing process is called electrolysis. It produces Chlorine Gas (Cl2) which is then used in other chemical processes.
Uses of Chlorine
Chlorine isn’t a consumer product. But Chlorine gas and liquid Chlorine are used to manufacture products. Chlorine may not even be present in the finished product.
Water Purification
Waterborne diseases were killing millions worldwide every year until government officials started using Chlorine for water treatment. Chlorine extinguishes disease-causing germs, making drinking water safe and consumable. Since it was first used in the USA in 1908, the chemical has virtually eliminated all waterborne diseases like
- • Cholera
- • Typhoid fever
- • Dysentery
- • Hepatitis
Chlorine-based drinking water is guaranteed to be free of - bacteria, viruses, parasites, moulds, algae, and disagreeable tastes or odors. That’s why most water supply reservoirs in the world contain Chlorinated water. Using Chlorine for water treatment is mandatory in most countries.
Preparation of Household Disinfectants
Chlorine is used to manufacture household bleach – the most widely-used product for disinfecting surfaces, whitening clothes, and other similar applications. Solutions containing diluted bleach and water are incredible at killing germs commonly found on household surfaces.
Chlorine dioxide is used as an antiviral drug. It’s used in treating diseases like Influenza (IFV), Adenovirus (HADVS), Measles, and Herpes (HHV). That’s because it degrades viruses by destroying their exterior protein cells. The antimicrobial properties of Chlorine also make it ideal for disinfecting food and surgical tools.
Food Industry
It’s common to find chlorine cylinders in food processing plants because Chlorine compounds are great at sanitizing sites. Be washing fruits/vegetables or treating pasteuriser cooling water – Chlorine, when combined with inorganic compounds, is incredible at sanitizing. It’s especially effective at sanitizing. Farmers also use products containing Chlorine to protect their crops.
Medical Care
Approximately 85% of all pharmaceutical drugs globally are manufactured using Chlorine or Chlorinated compounds. These drugs are used to treat common diseases like –
- • Diabetes
- • High blood pressure
- • High cholesterol
- • Asthma
- • Seizures
- • Cancer
- • Depression
- • Arthritis pain
- • Allergy symptoms
Medical devices manufactured using Chlorine/Chlorinated compounds also include - contact lenses, safety glasses, blood bags, surgical stitches, and respiratory inhalers.
Advanced Technology Sector
Chlorine is used in various tech sectors, from harnessing solar energy to manufacturing fast processors that power computers and smartphones. Some of them include –
- • Liquid Chlorine is used to produce air conditioning refrigerants and hybrid car batteries.
- • Chlorine-based compounds purify the silicon in the grains of sand. This sand is then used to make solar panel chips.
- • Wind turbine blades composed of chlorine-based epoxy resins assist in converting wind energy to electricity.
- • Chlorine chemistry is used to manufacture energy-efficient vinyl windows.
- • Chlorine is used to manufacture modern-day, ultra-durable paints.
- • Night vision goggles and missile guidance tools are manufactured using Chlorine-based compounds.
Overall, Chlorine is an excellent chemical that helps people lead safer and more convenient lives.
Connect with Prakash Chemicals International for liquid Chlorine. Through a combination of global distribution and manufacturing expertise, we bring you quality-assured, consistent quantity, and time-bound delivery of chemicals.