Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. The second-lightest of the halogens, it appears between fluorine and bromine in the periodic table and its properties are mostly intermediate between them. Chlorine is a yellow-green gas at room temperature. It is an extremely reactive element and a strong oxidising agent: among the elements, it has the highest electron affinity and the third-highest electronegativity on the revised Pauling scale, behind only oxygen and fluorine.
In the industrial and industry context, chlorine is a chemical element that is widely used in various industries for a variety of purposes. Here are some examples of how chlorine is used in industry:
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Water treatment: Chlorine is used to disinfect and purify water in the treatment process, killing harmful bacteria and viruses.
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Chemical manufacturing: Chlorine is used in the production of a wide range of chemicals, such as PVC plastics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
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Paper and pulp manufacturing: Chlorine is used to bleach pulp and paper products, making them whiter and brighter.
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Textile manufacturing: Chlorine is used in the production of textiles, such as nylon and polyester, as a bleaching and dyeing agent.
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Swimming pool maintenance: Chlorine is used to sanitize swimming pools and other recreational water facilities.
Similar things to chlorine in the industrial context include other disinfectants and sanitizers, such as hydrogen peroxide and ozone, as well as other chemical elements and compounds that are used in various industrial processes, such as sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid.