antichlors

Antichlors are chemical compounds used to neutralize residual chlorine after it has served its purpose. In various industrial and domestic applications, chlorine is often employed as a disinfectant or bleaching agent. However, excess chlorine can be harmful, corrosive, or undesirable in the final product. Antichlors work by reacting with and eliminating this leftover chlorine.

Common examples of antichlors include sodium thiosulfate, sodium bisulfite, and sodium sulfite. Sodium thiosulfate, often known as "hypo" in photography, is widely used to remove chlorine from photographic processing solutions, preventing further bleaching of the developed image. In water treatment, antichlors can be used to dechlorinate water that has been treated with chlorine, making it safe for drinking or for discharge into natural water bodies. They are also utilized in the textile industry to remove chlorine from bleached fabrics before dyeing or finishing processes. The choice of antichlor depends on factors such as the specific application, the concentration of chlorine, cost, and potential byproducts. The reaction between the antichlor and chlorine typically converts the chlorine into less harmful chloride salts.