13 Chlorine monoxide Uses: Facts You Should Know

by

Chlorine monoxide is a chemical radical mainly found in the gaseous state. Let us see some important uses of chlorine monoxide in detail.

Chlorine monoxide is a red-yellow gas with the chemical formula ClO and the various uses of chlorine monoxide are discussed below.

  • Production of other compounds
  • Space applications
  • Synthesis of chlorinated compounds
  • To control growth of microbes
  • wood industry
  • Semiconductor industry
  • Paper industry

This article discusses the uses of chlorine monoxide in different industries.

Production of other compounds

  • Chlorine monoxide is widely used in the production of calcium hypochlorite, an active ingredient of bleaching powder.
  • ClO is an active component used for controlling the growth of microorganisms.

Space applications

  • ClO is commonly used to sterilize space applications.
  • ClO inhibits the growth of microbes in space and is used as a cleaning compound.

Synthesis of chlorinated compounds

  • Chlorine monoxide is used for the synthesis of chlorinated solvents.
  • Chloroisocyanurate is prepared from ClO.

To control growth of microbes

  • Chlorine monoxide is used for cleaning swimming pools.
  • Bleaching agents used for cleaning microbes are made from ClO.
  • ClO is an active component in preparation of biocide.

wood industry

For the bleaching of wood chlorine monoxide is used because it strengthens wood properties.

Semiconductor industry

  • Chlorine monoxide is widely used as a mordant in semiconductor industries.
  • ClO is used to mordant aluminum in metal industries.

Paper industry

ClO is used in the manufacturing of paper to whiten it.

Conclusion

Chlorine monoxide is used as a chlorinating agent and in synthesizing various chlorinated compounds. Chlorine monoxide has an unpleasant order and is highly corrosive. Chlorine monoxide decomposes at room temperature into chlorine gas easily.