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  • Chlorine (Cl): Properties, Uses & Reactivity - A Comprehensive Guide
    Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a halogen, and is the second lightest halogen after fluorine. Chlorine is a highly reactive element and forms a variety of compounds, most notably sodium chloride (common salt).

    Physical properties:

    * Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas at room temperature.

    * It has a pungent, suffocating odor.

    * It is denser than air.

    * It is a diatomic molecule, meaning that it consists of two atoms of chlorine bonded together.

    Chemical properties:

    * Chlorine is a highly reactive element and reacts with many other elements to form compounds.

    * It is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning that it can cause other elements to lose electrons.

    * It is corrosive to metals and can also react with some organic materials.

    Uses:

    * Chlorine is used to disinfect water.

    * It is used to bleach paper and textiles.

    * It is used to make PVC, a type of plastic.

    * It is used to make chlorinated solvents, which are used in degreasing and dry cleaning.

    * It is used to make pesticides and herbicides.

    * It is used to make chlorine gas, which is used in chemical warfare.

    Toxicity:

    * Chlorine gas is toxic and can cause a variety of health problems, including:

    * Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat

    * Coughing and difficulty breathing

    * Lung damage

    * Death

    Chlorine gas can be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations.

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