What are uses of chlorine?

Short Answer:

Chlorine is a versatile nonmetal used in disinfection, chemical production, and industrial applications. It is widely used to purify water, manufacture bleach, and produce PVC plastics.

Chlorine is also essential in pesticides, solvents, and pharmaceuticals, making it important for health, sanitation, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Detailed Explanation:

Uses of Chlorine

Chlorine (Cl₂) is a greenish-yellow, highly reactive nonmetal with strong oxidizing properties. Its ability to form compounds with a wide range of elements and its disinfectant action make it extremely useful in daily life and industry.

Water Treatment and Sanitation

  1. Disinfection of Drinking Water:
    • Chlorine is added to tap water and swimming pools to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
    • This prevents waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
  2. Wastewater Treatment:
    • Chlorine is used in sewage and industrial wastewater treatment to remove pollutants and reduce microbial contamination.

Industrial and Chemical Uses

  1. Bleach Production:
    • Chlorine reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce sodium hypochlorite, which is used as household and industrial bleach.
  2. Manufacture of Plastics:
    • Chlorine is a key component in producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), widely used in pipes, cables, and packaging.
  3. Solvents and Chemicals:
    • Chlorine is used to produce organic solvents, disinfectants, and chlorinated compounds in the chemical industry.
  4. Pesticides and Herbicides:
    • Chlorine compounds like DDT (historically) and modern pesticides help in crop protection and pest control.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Uses

  1. Medicinal Compounds:
    • Chlorine is used in manufacturing medicines such as antibiotics and antiseptics.
  2. Sterilization:
    • Chlorine and its compounds are used to sterilize surgical instruments and hospital equipment.

Household Uses

  1. Cleaning Agents:
    • Chlorine-based products are used in disinfectants, floor cleaners, and laundry detergents.
  2. Swimming Pools:
    • Chlorine ensures safe and clean water by preventing microbial growth.

Summary

Chlorine’s properties as a reactive, oxidizing, and disinfecting agent make it useful in water purification, chemical production, plastics, pesticides, medicine, and household products.

Conclusion:

Chlorine is a vital nonmetal with wide applications in sanitation, industry, agriculture, and healthcare. Its use in disinfecting water, producing bleach and PVC, and manufacturing chemicals and medicines makes it indispensable for public health, industrial development, and everyday life.