Knowra Chlorine dioxide Chlorine dioxide Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a reactive yellow-green gas used to disinfect water and bleach pulp, textiles, and other materials. Its oxidizing action makes it effective at low concentrations, but the gas can decompose explosively.
Oxidation : A chemical process in which a substance loses electrons or increases its oxidation state. Chlorine dioxide acts as an oxidant, accepting electrons from susceptible molecules.
Water treatment : The treatment of water to make it suitable for a particular use, such as drinking or industrial processing. Chlorine dioxide is applied to control pathogens, tastes, and odors in water systems.
Chlorine : A reactive chemical element with atomic number 17 and symbol Cl. Chlorine is the central atom in chlorine dioxide's molecular structure.
Sodium hypochlorite : A chlorine-containing compound used in bleach and disinfection, with formula NaOCl. Hypochlorite is a common alternative disinfectant with different pH sensitivity and by-products.
Chlorite in drinking water : The presence of chlorite ions in treated drinking water, often as a chlorine-dioxide disinfection by-product. Chlorite is a regulated by-product that can limit chlorine dioxide dosing.
Disinfection : The reduction of harmful microorganisms on surfaces or in materials, usually without eliminating every microbial form. Chlorine dioxide inactivates microorganisms by oxidizing components of their cells.
Drinking water disinfection : The inactivation of disease-causing microorganisms in water intended for consumption. Utilities use chlorine dioxide as a primary disinfectant in some drinking-water systems.
Oxygen : A chemical element with atomic number 8 and symbol O, essential to many oxidation reactions. Two oxygen atoms bond to chlorine in each chlorine dioxide molecule.
Ozone : A reactive form of oxygen consisting of three oxygen atoms, used as a disinfectant and oxidant. Ozone is another strong water-treatment oxidant, but it leaves no persistent disinfectant residual.
Chlorate in drinking water : The presence of chlorate ions in drinking water, which can arise from chlorine-based treatment chemicals. Chlorate formation is monitored because it can accompany chlorine dioxide treatment.
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