kloratom

Kloratom, or chlorine atom, is the atomic particle of the element chlorine. It has atomic number 17 and chemical symbol Cl. In its neutral state it contains 17 electrons arranged as [Ne] 3s2 3p5, giving it seven valence electrons and a high tendency to gain one electron to form chloride (Cl−). Chlorine is a halogen in group 17 of the periodic table.

Under standard conditions chlorine atoms typically exist as diatomic molecules (Cl2) in the gas phase; Cl2 is a pale yellow-green gas with a sharp, irritating odor. Chlorine gas is a strong oxidizer and is produced industrially mainly by the electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride solutions (the chlor-alkali process) or by the oxidation of chlorine-containing compounds.

Natural occurrence: chlorine occurs widely in Earth's crust and seawater, primarily as chloride ions (Cl−) in salts and minerals. The element is also found in trace minerals and as part of organic and inorganic compounds.

Applications and reactions: The chlorine atom is highly reactive and forms compounds with most elements. It readily accepts an electron to become Cl−; it also participates in substitution and addition reactions in organochlorine chemistry and in radical processes. Chlorine is used for water disinfection, in bleaching, and in the production of polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Isotopes and safety: natural chlorine consists of two stable isotopes, Cl-35 and Cl-37, with about 75.8% and 24.2% abundance, respectively. Chlorine gas and many chlorine compounds are toxic and irritant; exposure can cause respiratory and eye irritation. Handling requires appropriate safety measures.