No, chlorine is not flammable. 1 It is a highly reactive nonmetal, but it does not support combustion or burn on its own. However, chlorine can react with other substances and may contribute to the flammability of certain materials when combined with them. 2
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Key Takeaways: Is Chlorine Flammable?
- Chlorine is not flammable and a non-explosive substance.
- Liquid chlorine is also non-flammable, but it can react with certain materials under specific conditions, leading to potentially hazardous reactions.
- Chlorine gas is highly reactive and corrosive, posing hazards related to its reactivity and toxicity.
Why is chlorine not flammable?
Chlorine is not flammable and not an explosive substance. 3 But chlorine will support combustion under certain conditions.
Chlorine (Cl2) is a highly reactive and corrosive gas. 4 It is classified as a non-flammable substance. While chlorine can undergo chemical reactions with other substances, it does not release enough energy to sustain a fire.
Instead, chlorine tends to act as an oxidizing agent, participating in reactions where it accepts electrons from other compounds. 5 Its reactivity and corrosiveness make chlorine a hazardous substance that requires careful handling and storage to prevent accidents and exposure to its toxic properties.
Is liquid chlorine flammable?
No, liquid chlorine is not flammable.
Liquid chlorine is commonly used in various industries, particularly in water treatment and disinfection. 6 It is stored and transported under pressure or at low temperatures to maintain its liquid state.
While chlorine gas can be reactive and corrosive, when it condenses into a liquid, it does not exhibit flammable properties.
However, it is important to note that liquid chlorine can react with certain materials, such as reducing agents or combustible organic compounds, under specific conditions, leading to potentially hazardous reactions. 7
Therefore, proper handling and storage practices are essential to ensure safety when working with liquid chlorine. 8
Difference between chlorine and other flammable gases
Chlorine is different from other flammable gases in the following ways.
Flammability:
- Chlorine: Chlorine gas (Cl2) is non-flammable.
- Flammable Gases: Gases like methane (CH4), propane (C3H8), or hydrogen (H2) are highly flammable. 9 They can ignite and sustain a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Combustion Reactions:
- Chlorine: Chlorine gas does not undergo combustion reactions or burn when exposed to an ignition source. 10
- Flammable Gases: Flammable gases undergo combustion reactions, releasing energy in the form of heat, light, and potentially more flammable byproducts.
Hazards:
- Chlorine: While not flammable, chlorine gas is highly reactive and corrosive. It poses hazards related to its reactivity, toxicity, and potential for forming other hazardous compounds. 11
- Flammable Gases: Flammable gases are not only combustible but also can pose risks related to their potential for explosions and rapid spread of fire.
Safety Precautions:
- Chlorine: Proper handling and storage procedures are necessary to ensure safety when working with chlorine gas, focusing on preventing exposure and releases.
- Flammable Gases: Handling flammable gases requires strict adherence to safety protocols, including proper ventilation, avoiding potential ignition sources, and following industry-specific guidelines.
Overall, the key distinction is that chlorine gas is non-flammable and does not sustain a fire, whereas flammable gases have the ability to ignite and support combustion reactions. Safety measures must be implemented when handling both types of gases to mitigate the associated risks.
Further reading
Why is Salt (NaCl) Soluble in Water?
Is CH4 (Methane) Soluble in Water?
Why is Sugar (Sucrose) Soluble in Water?
Is BaSO4 (Barium Sulfate) Soluble in Water?
Is CaCO3 (Calcium Carbonate) Soluble in Water?
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References
- Chlorine: Lung Damaging Agent | NIOSH | CDC. (2011, May 12). Chlorine: Lung Damaging Agent | NIOSH | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750024.html
- US GOV, N. O. (n.d.). CHLORINE | CAMEO Chemicals | NOAA. CHLORINE | CAMEO Chemicals | NOAA. https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/2862
- The Facts About Chlorine. (2005, May 1). The Facts About Chlorine. https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/chlorine_tech.htm
- Chlorine. (2023, June 13). CCOHS: Chlorine. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/chlorine.html
- Halogens as oxidising agents. (n.d.). Halogens as Oxidising Agents. https://www.chemguide.co.uk/inorganic/group7/halogensasoas.html
- Chlorinated Drinking-Water; Chlorination by-Products; Some Other Halogenated Compounds; Cobalt and Cobalt Compounds – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK506911/
- Chemistry of Chlorine (Z=17). (2013, October 2). Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Inorganic_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_and_Websites_(Inorganic_Chemistry)/Descriptive_Chemistry/Elements_Organized_by_Block/2_p-Block_Elements/Group_17%3A_The_Halogens/Z017_Chemistry_of_Chlorine_(Z17)
- Epa.gov https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2013-11/documents/spalert.pdf
- Cdc.gov https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/UserFiles/works/pdfs/fompa.pdf
- P. (n.d.). Chlorine. Chlorine | Cl2 | CID 24526 – PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/24526
- Morim, A., & Guldner, G. T. (2022, June 27). Chlorine Gas Toxicity – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Chlorine Gas Toxicity – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537213/
