Chemistry in Water
When chlorine is added to water, it reacts to form a pH dependent equilibrium mixture of chlorine, hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid :
- Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + HCl
Depending on the pH, hypochlorous acid partly dissociates to hydrogen and hypochlorite ions:
- HOCl → H+ + ClO-
In acidic solution, the major species are Cl2 and HOCl while in alkaline solution effectively only ClO- is present. Very small concentrations of ClO2-, ClO3-, ClO4- are also found.
Read more about this topic: Chlorination
Famous quotes containing the words chemistry and/or water:
“The chemistry of dissatisfaction is as the chemistry of some marvelously potent tar. In it are the building stones of explosives, stimulants, poisons, opiates, perfumes and stenches.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was.”
—Toni Morrison (b. 1931)