Chemical reactions
These gases in turn will react with the water to give hypochlorous acid
and a hypochlorite ion, in proportions which depend on the pH of the water.
3. In Neutral to Acidic Conditions:
Cl2 + H20 -----> Cl- + HCIO +H+
4. In Alkaline Conditions: Cl2 + 20H- -----> CIO- + Cl- +
H20
The hydrolysis of chlorine into hypochlorous
acid, reaction 3, occurs rapidly and is complete in pH values ranging
from 7 to 9.
The partial dissociation of hypochlorous
acid, reaction 4, to a great extent is prevented by a lower pH. The
undissociated form is desirable, as it is a better disinfectant than
the hypochlorite ion.
These chlorine derived compounds are
the primary disinfectants produced by the electrolytic process.
A number of other competing reactions
also take place in the electrolytic cell.
|
