* Chlorine gas is toxic due to its reactivity: Chlorine gas is a strong oxidizing agent and readily reacts with biological molecules, causing damage to respiratory tissues and other organs.
* Adding a proton creates hydrochloric acid (HCl): Adding a proton (H+) to chlorine gas results in the formation of hydrogen chloride (HCl), a strong acid.
* HCl is also harmful: Hydrochloric acid is corrosive and can cause severe burns. However, it's a different type of harm than chlorine gas.
* The reaction is not simple: The reaction of chlorine gas with protons to form HCl requires specific conditions and a source of protons. It's not a direct and immediate process.
In summary: While adding a proton to chlorine gas does create a new substance (HCl), it doesn't directly change its poisonous nature. Both chlorine gas and HCl are harmful, but through different mechanisms.
