Chlorine gas (Cl₂) is a diatomic molecule, meaning it consists of two chlorine atoms bonded together. When chlorine gas dissolves in water, it undergoes a chemical reaction called hydrolysis. During this reaction, the Cl₂ molecules react with water molecules (H₂O) to form hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl).

The chemical equation for this reaction is:

Cl₂(g) + H₂O(l) → HCl(aq) + HOCl(aq)

In this reaction, each chlorine atom gains an electron from the water molecule, resulting in the formation of two chloride ions (Cl⁻). The overall charge of the system remains neutral, as the two chloride ions have a negative charge of 1- each, while the hydrogen ion (H⁺) from the hydrochloric acid has a positive charge of 1+.

Therefore, chlorine can be found as an ion with a 1- charge when it undergoes hydrolysis in water and forms chloride ions.