Definition

Noun: A solution of chlorine gas dissolved in water, used primarily for its disinfecting and bleaching properties. It is an aqueous solution where chlorine reacts with water to form a mixture of hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid, giving it its active oxidizing character.

Usage

Chlorine water is used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and other pathogens, and as a bleaching agent for textiles and paper. - Primary Use: Disinfection and bleaching. - Typical Contexts: Water treatment, sanitation, industrial processes, and laboratory chemistry.

Examples

• The swimming pool was treated with chlorine water to maintain hygiene.
• In the laboratory, they used chlorine water to test for the presence of bromide ions.
• Historically, chlorine water was a common bleaching agent before the development of modern chemicals.

Advanced Usage

• Chemical Testing: In analytical chemistry, chlorine water is used as a reagent in qualitative analysis, for instance, to oxidize bromide ions to bromine, which can then be extracted into an organic solvent, changing its color.
• Historical Context: Its use as a disinfectant was pioneered in the 19th century to combat waterborne diseases like cholera.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl): The primary active disinfectant species formed when chlorine dissolves in water.
• Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite Solution): A more common and stable household chemical with similar disinfecting and bleaching properties, often produced by reacting chlorine with sodium hydroxide.
• Chlorination: The process of adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to water for disinfection.

Synonyms

• Chlorine solution (general term)
• Aqueous chlorine

Notes

• Chlorine water is unstable; chlorine gas gradually escapes from the solution, especially when exposed to light or heat, reducing its strength over time. It is typically prepared fresh or stored in dark, cool containers.
• It is distinct from household bleach, which is usually a solution of sodium hypochlorite.

Noun

1. an aqueous solution of chlorine used as a bleaching agent