The chemical formula of chlorine is Cl2, which is a toxic gas. It is mainly used in high-tech fields such as large-scale integrated circuits, optical fibers, and high-temperature superconductivity. Chlorine is widely used in tap water disinfection, pulp and textile bleaching, ore refining, organic and inorganic chloride synthesis, etc. It is also used in the production of pesticides, bleaches, disinfectants, solvents, plastics, synthetic fibers and other chlorides.

Applications

Chemical

Chlorine is used in relatively large quantities for the production of a wide variety of chemicals such as chloroethene, hydrochloric acid, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene etc. For many of these, which may themselves be only intermediates rather than end-products, the chlorine may be produced on-site, with excess quantities being available for shipment into the merchant market.

Semiconductors

Chlorine is used to manufacture fibre optics, phosgene, and synthetic rubber. It is also used as a semiconductor.

Paper and Textiles

As chlorine has the capability to bleach various materials, it is used in both the paper and textile industries for this purpose.

Water Treatment

Chlorine is used for water purification in a variety of circumstances- the “production” of drinking water by local water authorities, the treatment of swimming pools, and waste water treatment by many types of industries companies.