It is particularly reactive in the presence of heat, and although it does not dissolve well in water, it does react in the presence of moisture. It is particularly reactive with organic substances, sometimes causing explosions. For these reasons chlorine needs to be kept in dry, cool conditions. A flame will continue to burn in a vessel containing chlorine gas. If used extensively for home furnishings, for example, these materials can be a major hazard during a fire.
Chlorine is one of the ten most important industrial chemicals.
Laboratory preparation of chlorine A gas jar of chlorine gas is prepared by reacting concentrated hydrochloric acid on potassium permanganate crystals. Chlorine is heavier than air, so it can be allowed to collect at the bottom of a gas jar, forcing the air out of the top. Dangers of chlorine Transporting chlorine can be a health hazard. If the transporting vessel is involved in an accident and the chlorine escapes to the atmosphere, many people might have their lungs damaged or even be killed. A material called ethene is brought to the chlorine plant to be reacted with the chlorine.