Chlorine dioxide or ClO2 is a highly effective and fast-acting bleach used in water treatment and food preservation. It is a yellowish-green gas with a pungent odor.
| IUPAC Name | Chlorine dioxide |
| Molecular Formula | ClO2 |
| CAS number | 10049-04-4 |
| Synonyms | Chlorine peroxide, ClO2, chlorine(IV) oxide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/ClO2/c2-1-3 |
Chlorine Dioxide Formula
The formula for chlorine dioxide is ClO2. It is a highly reactive gas that consists of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms. The formula for chlorine dioxide reflects its molecular structure, which is crucial for understanding its physical and chemical properties, including its reactivity, stability, and solubility.
ClO2 Molar Mass
ClO2 has a molar mass of 67.45 g/mol. It is a highly reactive oxidizing agent, known for its strong bleaching properties. ClO2 is widely used as a disinfectant and sanitizer in various industrial and household applications, including water treatment, paper bleaching, and food preservation. The molar mass of a substance plays a crucial role in determining its physical and chemical properties, including its density, boiling point, and solubility.
ClO2 Boiling Point
The boiling point of ClO2 is 11.3°C (52.3°F). ClO2 exists as a yellowish-green gas at standard temperature and pressure. It has a pungent odor and is highly reactive, making it an excellent oxidizing agent. The boiling point of a substance is an important physical property that helps to determine its stability, volatility, and transportability.
ClO2 Melting Point
The melting point of ClO2 is -51.5°C (-60.7°F). As a gas at standard temperature and pressure, it does not have a solid state. ClO2 is highly soluble in water and is commonly used as a disinfectant and sanitizer in water treatment and food preservation applications. The melting point of a substance is an important property that can affect its physical and chemical behavior, especially in reactions that involve a change of state.
ClO2 Density g/ml
The density of ClO2 is 1.97 g/mL at standard temperature and pressure. It is a highly reactive gas that is commonly used as a bleaching and sanitizing agent in various industrial applications. The density of a substance is an important physical property that can affect its behavior in various processes, including transport, storage, and handling.
ClO2 Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of ClO2 is 67.45 g/mol. It is an oxidizing agent and is widely used in water treatment, paper bleaching, and food preservation applications. The molecular weight of a substance is an important property that affects its physical and chemical behavior, including its density, boiling point, and solubility.
ClO2 Structure
The structure of ClO2 is represented by the molecular formula ClO2. It is a highly reactive gas that consists of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms. The molecule has a bent shape and is polar in nature, meaning it has a positive end and a negative end. The structure of ClO2 plays a crucial role in its chemical reactivity, stability, and solubility in various solvents.
| Appearance | Yellowish-green gas |
| Specific Gravity | 1.97 g/mL |
| Color | Yellowish-green |
| Odor | Pungent |
| Molar Mass | 67.45 g/mol |
| Density | 1.97 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -51.5°C (-60.7°F) |
| Boiling Point | 11.3°C (52.3°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (gas) |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not specified |
| Vapour Density | Not specified |
| pKa | Not specified |
| pH | Not specified |
Note Some of the values listed are estimates based on available data. It is always best to consult a reliable source for specific and accurate information on the properties of a substance.
Chlorine Dioxide Safety and Hazards
ClO2 is a highly reactive and toxic substance that can pose significant health and safety hazards if not handled properly. Exposure to high concentrations of ClO2 gas can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as respiratory problems and difficulty breathing. Ingestion of ClO2 can cause severe digestive distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin contact with ClO2 can cause irritation and chemical burns. Additionally, ClO2 is flammable and can ignite in the presence of heat or sparks. To minimize the risks associated with ClO2, it is important to use proper personal protective equipment when handling it, such as gloves, eye protection, and a respiratory mask. It is also important to follow safe storage and handling practices to prevent releases of ClO2 into the environment.
| Hazard Symbols | Oxidizing agent, Toxic |
| Safety Description | S2- Keep out of reach of children. S22- Do not breathe dust. S26- In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. |
| UN Ids | UN 1479 |
| HS Code | 2828.90.90 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Chlorine dioxide is highly toxic when inhaled, ingested, or comes in contact with skin. It can cause respiratory distress, digestive distress, eye irritation, and chemical burns. |
Chlorine Dioxide Synthesis Methods
ClO2 is typically synthesized through two main methods the chlorate-chlorite process and the electrolysis process.
The chlorate-chlorite process involves the reaction of sodium chlorate with an acid, such as sulfuric acid, to produce ClO2. This process can be performed on an industrial scale and is commonly used for the production of ClO2 for water treatment and other applications.
The electrolysis process involves the use of an electrical current to generate ClO2. This process is typically performed in laboratory settings and is used for the production of small quantities of ClO2 for research and experimentation purposes.
Regardless of the synthesis method used, it is important to follow proper safety protocols and use proper protective equipment when handling ClO2. This includes wearing gloves, eye protection, and a respiratory mask to prevent exposure to the highly toxic gas.
In addition to these methods, chlorine dioxide can also be generated through the reaction of sodium chlorite with an acid or by the reaction of sodium chlorate with hydrochloric acid. The choice of synthesis method will depend on the specific application and the desired properties of the final product.
Chlorine Dioxide Uses
Chlorine dioxide is a versatile chemical with a wide range of applications, including water treatment, food preservation, and bleaching. Some of the most common uses of chlorine dioxide include
Water treatment chlorine dioxide is commonly used as a disinfectant in the treatment of drinking water, wastewater, and industrial process water. It is highly effective against a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and is often used as an alternative to chlorine or ozone.
Food preservation chlorine dioxide is used as an antimicrobial agent in the preservation of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other food products. It is effective against a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and molds, and helps to extend the shelf life of food products.
Bleaching chlorine dioxide is used in the bleaching of wood pulp and other fibers to produce bright and uniform colors. It is also used in the bleaching of textiles, such as cotton and wool, to remove impurities and improve whiteness.
Other uses chlorine dioxide is also used in the treatment of industrial and municipal waste, as well as in the production of other chemicals, such as chlorates, chloramines, and other disinfectants. In all of its applications, chlorine dioxide is highly effective and provides a number of advantages over other chemical treatments. However, it is important to use caution when handling and using chlorine dioxide, as it is a highly reactive and toxic substance that can pose significant health and safety hazards if not handled properly.