Antichlorines

Antichlorines are chemical compounds used to remove residual chlorine from materials. This process is important in various industrial applications, particularly in textile manufacturing and water treatment. During bleaching processes, chlorine is often used to whiten fabrics. However, residual chlorine can weaken fibers and cause yellowing over time. Antichlorines are applied to neutralize this leftover chlorine, ensuring the quality and longevity of the material.

Commonly used antichlorines include sodium thiosulfate and sodium sulfite. Sodium thiosulfate, often referred to as "hypo," reacts with chlorine to form sodium chloride and sodium tetrathionate, both of which are harmless byproducts. Sodium sulfite works similarly, reducing chlorine to chloride ions. In water treatment, antichlorines are used after chlorination to remove excess chlorine before the water is released or consumed. This prevents potential harm to aquatic life in receiving waters and eliminates the taste and odor associated with high chlorine levels. The choice of antichlorine depends on factors such as cost, effectiveness, and compatibility with the specific application.