Question: what is chlorine water?

Michael Kimwele answered on 17 Jul 2025:

Chlorine water is a pale greenish-yellow solution made by dissolving chlorine gas (Cl₂) in water (H₂O). It is commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent.

Chemically, chlorine water contains:

Dissolved chlorine gas (Cl₂)

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), formed when chlorine reacts with water:
Cl2+H2O→HCl+HOClCl2​+H2​O→HCl+HOCl

The hypochlorous acid is the active component responsible for its antibacterial and oxidizing properties, making chlorine water useful for:

Purifying drinking water

Disinfecting swimming pools

Laboratory tests (e.g., testing for unsaturation)

It should be handled with care as it is corrosive and toxic in high concentrations.