Chlorine
(from
the
Greek
language
χλωρóς
chloros,
meaning
"pale
green"),
is
the
chemical
element
with
atomic
number
17
and
symbol
Cl.
It
is a
halogen,
found
in
the
periodic
table
in
group
17.
As
the
chloride
ion,
which
is
part
of
common
salt
and
other
compounds,
it
is
abundant
in
nature
and
necessary
to
most
forms
of
life,
including
humans.
In
its
elemental
form,
it
is a
pale
green
gas
about
2.5
times
as
dense
as
air.
It
has
a
disagreeable
suffocating
odor
and
is
poisonous.
Chlorine
is a
powerful
oxidant
and
is
used
in
bleaching
and
disinfectants.
|