Why is ClO2 Different to Chlorine? | Scotmas (2024)

As we all learned in high school chemistry, we can mix two compounds and create a third that bears little resemblance to its parents.

For instance, by mixing two parts of hydrogen gas with one of oxygen – liquid water is the formed. We should not be misled by the fact that chlorine and chlorine dioxide share a word in common. The chemistries of the two compounds are completely different.

Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are both oxidising agents (electron receivers). However, chlorine has the capacity to take in two electrons, whereas chlorine dioxide can absorb five. This means that, mole for mole, ClO2 is 2.6 times more effective than chlorine.

If equal, if not greater importance is the fact that chlorine dioxide will not react with many organic compounds, and as a result ClO2 does not produce environmentally dangerous chlorinated organics. For example; aromatic compounds have carbon atoms arranged in rings and they may have other atoms, such as chlorine, attached to these rings, to form a chlorinated aromatic – a highly toxic compound that persists in the environment long after it is produced.

Chlorine dioxide’s behaviour as an oxidising agent is quite dissimilar. Like ozone, the predominant oxidation reaction mechanism for chlorine dioxide proceeds through a process known as free radical electrophilic (i.e. electron-attracting) abstraction rather than by oxidative substitution or addition (as in chlorinating agents such as chlorine or hypochlorite). This means that chlorinated organic compounds such as THMs and HAAs are not produced as a result of disinfection using chlorine dioxide.

Why is ClO2 Different to Chlorine? | Scotmas (2024)

FAQs

Why is ClO2 Different to Chlorine? | Scotmas? ›

Chlorine Dioxide has a higher oxidation capacity, and a lower oxidation strength than most species of chlorine, making it at least 2.6 times more powerful per ppm according to WHO CT values.

What is the difference between chlorine and ClO2? ›

Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are both oxidising agents (electron receivers). However, chlorine has the capacity to take in two electrons, whereas chlorine dioxide can absorb five. This means that, mole for mole, ClO2 is 2.6 times more effective than chlorine.

Is chlorine dioxide the same as free chlorine? ›

Residual Effect: Unlike free chlorine, chlorine dioxide does not leave significant residual concentrations in water, making it preferable in applications where residual disinfectants are undesirable.

What's the difference between sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide? ›

Sodium Hypochlorite can be more cost-effective initially, but as it produces more byproducts, causes corrosion to equipment and is potentially harmful to human health, the long-term operating costs and environmental challenges will be significant compared to Chlorine Dioxide.

What are the disadvantages of ClO2? ›

Chlorine dioxide gas is explosive. Chlorine dioxide is a very unstable substance; when it comes in contact with sunlight, it decomposes. During chlorine dioxide production processes, large amounts of chlorine are formed. This is a disadvantage.

Which is better, chlorine or chlorine dioxide? ›

Overall, ClO2 offers a safer and more effective solution for water treatment needs and is an excellent choice for those who prioritise safety and efficiency.

Is ClO2 safe to use? ›

Chlorine dioxide is a safe form of water treatment. It is used in various applications, including the treatment of drinking water for human consumption.

Can chlorine dioxide be used in pools? ›

Chlorine Dioxide is a fast-dissolving product that can also be used to 'shock' the pool. It comes in a convenient effervescent tablet form and can be used to supplement the sanitiser regime through periodic addition.

Can you drink water with chlorine dioxide? ›

Special Precautions and Warnings. When taken by mouth: Chlorine dioxide is likely unsafe. While chlorine dioxide is safely used to disinfect drinking water, it is used in extremely small amounts. The doses used in supplements can cause serious side effects, including severe vomiting, liver failure, and death.

What is the pH of chlorine dioxide? ›

ClO2 gas is highly soluble in water and does not hydrolyze into ions. This enables it to maintain its oxidative and biocidal properties over a broad pH range—from 4 to 10.

Is ClO2 bleach? ›

Chlorine dioxide is used as a bleach at pulp mills, which make paper and paper products, and in public water-treatment facilities, to make water safe for drinking. It has also been used to decontaminate public buildings. Chlorine dioxide is soluble in water and will react rapidly with other compounds.

What form of chlorine has the highest disinfecting action? ›

The combination of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions makes up what is called 'free chorine. ' Free chlorine has a high oxidation potential and is a more effective disinfectant than other forms of chlorine, such as chloramines.

Why is chlorine dioxide toxic? ›

* Breathing Chlorine Dioxide can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.

Can you smell ClO2? ›

Chlorine Dioxide Gas has a discernible odor at safe levels, which means you'll be able to smell the gas before it reaches unsafe concentrations, allowing you time to shut down the system and address the situation safely.

What are the symptoms of ClO2 exposure? ›

Acute exposure at high levels causes dyspnea, violent cough, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, headache, chest pain, abdominal discomfort, and corneal burns, in addition to the same symptoms of low-level acute exposure. Chronic exposure to chlorine gas can lead to chest pain, cough, sore throat, and hemoptysis.

What is the purpose of ClO2? ›

Uses. Chlorine dioxide is a strong oxidizing agent, bactericide, and antiseptic. It is used in bleaching cellulose, paper pulp, leather, flour, fats and oils, textiles, and beestpwax, and in deodorizing and purifying water.

What is the purpose of clo2? ›

Uses. Chlorine dioxide is a strong oxidizing agent, bactericide, and antiseptic. It is used in bleaching cellulose, paper pulp, leather, flour, fats and oils, textiles, and beestpwax, and in deodorizing and purifying water.

Is clo2 a bleaching agent or not? ›

Chlorine dioxide is a preferable bleaching agent used in the production of elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleached chemical wood pulp. A chlorine dioxide plant produces chlorine dioxide by reducing chlorite or chlorate, both normally supplied as sodium salts, in a sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution.

How can you tell the difference between chlorine and nitrogen dioxide? ›

Answer. Chlorine reacts with silver nitrate solution to form a white precipitate of silver chloride. Nitrogen dioxide does not react with silver nitrate solution, hence, no white precipitate is formed.

What is the common name for clo2? ›

Chlorine dioxide is a yellow to reddish-yellow manufactured gas. It does not occur naturally in the environment.

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