Chlorine

Symbol

Cl

Atomic number

17

Atomic mass	35.453		Thermal conductivity	.000089
Atomic radius	0.97		Covalent radius	0.99
Density	.00317		Atomic volume	22.7
Melting point	172.17		Oxidation states	1,3,5,7
Boiling point	239.1		Stable isotopes	2
Heat of vapor.	10.2		Electronegativity	3.16
Heat of fusion	3.203		First ionization	12.967
Specific heat	0.48		Electrical conduct.	...

Electron configuration

Chlorine

Chlorine is the most common of the halogens. It is not as chemically active as fluorine, but is still very active and forms compounds with most elements. In pure form, it is a greenish-yellow gas with a sharp, irritating odor. It is manufactured on a large scale by electrolysis of concentrated solutions of sodium chloride.

Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent and as a result is effective in killing bacteria. This has led to widespread use in the sterilization of drinking water, for swimming pools, etc.

Hydrogen chloride, HCl, is a gas with a sharp unpleasant odor. The gas dissolves readily in water with the liberation of heat. This forms hydrochloric acid, a very strong acid.

Chlorine is a constituent of many mineral crystals. From simple clear ionic crystals like halite, NaCl, to more complex halide containing minerals like the yellow crystals of mimetite, Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl, chlorides show a range of colors.

Chlorine Nuclear Data