dichloride

Dichloride is a chemical term used to describe a compound that contains two chlorine atoms. The name is applied in two main ways: (1) to inorganic compounds in which two chloride ligands surround a central atom, typically forming a salt with the formula MCl2; and (2) to organic molecules that carry two chlorine substituents on a carbon framework, as in di-chloro compounds. The exact identity and oxidation state of the central element depend on the specific compound.

In inorganic chemistry, common metal dichlorides include iron(II) dichloride (FeCl2), cobalt(II) dichloride (CoCl2), nickel(II) dichloride (NiCl2), copper(II) dichloride (CuCl2), manganese(II) dichloride (MnCl2), zinc dichloride (ZnCl2), and others. These dichlorides are often ionic solids or hydrates and can be sensitive to air or moisture. They are typically prepared by direct reaction of the element with chlorine gas or by reacting the corresponding metal with hydrochloric acid, or by other chloride-transfer processes.

In organic chemistry, dichlorides denote molecules with two chlorine substituents on a carbon framework, such as 1,2-dichloroethane (ethylene dichloride) and 1,4-dichlorobenzene. These compounds are widely used as solvents, chemical intermediates, or monomer precursors in polymer synthesis.

Safety and handling vary by compound but many dichlorides are corrosive and toxic, releasing hydrogen chloride upon hydrolysis. They are typically stored under appropriate conditions to avoid moisture and reacted with care in well-ventilated environments.