Kloriitin

Kloriitti is a chemical compound with the formula ClO2-. It is the anion derived from chlorous acid, HClO2. Kloriitti is a polyatomic ion consisting of one chlorine atom covalently bonded to two oxygen atoms. The chlorine atom has an oxidation state of +3 and each oxygen atom has an oxidation state of -2. The overall charge of the kloriitti ion is -1.

Kloriitti compounds are often unstable and can be explosive, particularly in their solid form. They are strong oxidizing agents. In aqueous solution, kloriitti can disproportionate into chlorite (ClO2-) and chlorate (ClO3-) ions, or be reduced to chloride (Cl-) ions. The stability of kloriitti compounds is influenced by the cation they are associated with. For example, sodium kloriitti (NaClO2) is a more stable and commonly used kloriitti salt.

Kloriitti is an intermediate oxidation state of chlorine in oxyacids. It can be formed by the reduction of chlorate or the oxidation of hypochlorite. Its reactivity makes it useful in certain industrial processes, such as the bleaching of paper and textiles, and in water treatment for disinfection. However, due to its instability and oxidizing properties, careful handling and storage are required.