Chlorine dioxide facts for kids
Chlorine dioxide is a special chemical compound. It's made when two or more different chemical elements join together. Its chemical formula is ClO2. This means it has one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms. The chlorine in it has a special 'charge' of +4. This means it shared its electrons in a certain way when it formed.
What it is Like
Chlorine dioxide is a gas that looks yellowish and has a strong, unpleasant smell. It can explode very easily. It reacts with many other chemicals. It can explode if there's too much of it (more than 15%) in the air. Even shining a bright light on it can make it explode! It dissolves easily in cold water.
How it is Made
One way to make it is by taking electrons away from a chemical called sodium chlorite using chlorine gas.
Another way is by giving electrons to sodium chlorate when it's in an acidic liquid. Chemicals like methanol, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, or hydrogen peroxide can help make it.
Other methods involve mixing sodium chlorite with things like sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid. You can also make it using electrolysis, which means passing electricity through a liquid containing sodium chlorite.
Because chlorine dioxide can explode so easily, it's usually made right when it's needed. It's then immediately mixed into water to make it safer. It's not usually packaged and sent to people who need it.
What it is Used For
Chlorine dioxide is used to bleach wood pulp, which helps make paper. It's also used to disinfect water, making it safe to drink. In some ways, it's better than chlorine for water treatment. It is less corrosive (meaning it doesn't break down other things as much) than chlorine. It also doesn't create as many unwanted chemicals in the water.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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Solution of chlorine dioxide in water
See also
In Spanish: Dióxido de cloro para niños
