Cl2O5

Chlorine pentoxide, with the chemical formula Cl2O5, is an unstable and highly reactive chemical compound. It is a member of the chlorine oxides, a group of compounds formed between chlorine and oxygen. Cl2O5 is an orange solid that decomposes readily upon heating or exposure to light. Its exact structure is still a subject of research, but it is believed to exist as a dimer.

Due to its extreme instability and explosive nature, Cl2O5 is not a commercially produced or widely used compound. It is primarily encountered in laboratory settings for specific research purposes, often generated in situ and immediately reacted. Its synthesis typically involves the reaction of chlorine with ozone under carefully controlled conditions, or through the oxidation of other chlorine oxides.

The reactivity of chlorine pentoxide stems from the high oxidation state of chlorine. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and can react violently with organic materials and reducing agents. Its potential hazards mean that handling requires extreme caution and specialized equipment. Information regarding its precise physical and chemical properties is limited due to its ephemeral nature and the dangers associated with its preparation and study.