Why is this element important in everyday life?
Uses of Chlorine: · Salt in seawater, also table salt (NaCl) · Disinfects water for pools and sewage systems, where it kills bacteria and algae · Anesthetics such as chloroform and Novocaine · Bleach · Part of process to make plastics · Organochlorides-used to make textiles fire-resistant, in pesticides and fungicides · Coolant in refrigerators (CFC's) · Foundation of hydrochloric acid (HCl) · Fireworks and safety matches · In booster rockets of space shuttle
Where is this element found in nature?
Chlorine is not found isolated in nature. It is always combined with other substances. Some chlorine is found near erupting volcanoes, however. It is extracted from other substances by three processes:
1. Lab Preparation- reacting concentrated HCl on potassium permanganate crystals 2. Using a mercury cathode cell (most chlorine for industry produced this way)- electric currant is passed through sodium chloride 3. Diaphragm Cell- electric currant passed through brine and sodium hydroxide to make chlorine and hydrogen
What are the properties of the element?
General Characteristics =
Chlorine is a pungent-smelling, greenish-yellow gas at room temperature. It is two-and-a-half-times denser than air, and is poisonous in large quantities. It was the first halogen discovered, in 1774 by Karl Wilhelm Scheele. Chlorine is very reactive and forms many useful compounds such as: Chloroform, carbon tetrachloride (dry-cleaning chemical), bleach, salt, and many others.
Atomic Symbol =Cl
Period Number =3
Group Number and Family Name =Group 17, the Halogens
Atomic Number = 17
Atomic Mass =35.453
Density =3.214 g/L
Melting Point =-102 degrees C
Boiling Point =-34.6 degrees C
Electron Configuration =Cl- 1s22s22p63s23p5
Shorthand Notation =Cl- [Ne]3s23p5
Common Reactions =A very common reaction where chlorine is a result is when freon and ultraviolet protons react in the atmosphere. This reaction is responsible for destroying the ozone layer.
Interesting Information =Chlorine is two and a half times denser than air. Its ions also make up .015% of Earth's crust.
Who is Mrs. Chlorine ?
It was the day of the Halogen Family reunion, and everything was going smoothly, until the Chlorines showed up. An uneasiness settled over the throng. "Uh Oh," whispered a Bromine ion, "it's those horrible Chlorines. All they do is steal electrons for a living, and still everyone thinks they're so useful. They're too quick-tempered, and mean!"
"I know, Bromina, it's a shame. They think they're so wonderful, but at least they're not as bad as those Fluorines! We're the most respectable elements of the Halogens, thank goodness.
The Chlorines strutted into the room, bringing with them their distinctive smell.
"Why, hello Mrs. Chlorine, you're looking a wonderful green today," Mrs. Iodine giggled a little too sweetly.
"Thank you, Iodinia, wouldn't you like to be green too, instead of that unfashionable, drab brown? Too bad you're not a Chlorine."
"Where is your husband?", asked Iodinia, trying to be civil.
"I'm so sorry he couldn't make it . He was much too busy being in Novocaine for and urgent operation, to try to be social with you elements. You're only a nurse, aren't you dear? Well, maybe someday you can be as famous as my husband."Mrs. Chlorine left the speechless Iodine, who immediately began to gossip to all her relatives about those Chlorines, and moved on to the shy Miss Astatine.
Hello dear, how are you doing? You wouldn't happen to have any extra electrons, would you? Well, that's just too bad. Anyway, did you hear about my cousin, the new great astronaut? He was a swimmer before, you know. He and his friends took a couple electrons and wound up as being part of the fuel for the space shuttle! Amazing, isn't it, much better than you've ever done, I'm sure. There are so many things we Chlorines can combine into! I've worked in the plastic-making process, in a refrigerator, and in a water plant as a disinfectant."
Miss Astatine became so enraged that suddenly she combusted, taking Mrs. Chlorine with her, and releasing a huge amount of energy. Chaos ensued, with elements running frantically in all directions, trying to grab each other's electrons. After a few minutes, peace returned, the Halogen Family reunion continued, and all the elements gossiped about "those horrible Chlorines."
