Reaction of Chlorine with Metals Chlorine combines directly with all metals forming metal chloride salts. Oxidising Reaction of Chlorine Chlorine is a strong oxidising agent. This is possible because Iron has a variable valency. 2 FeCl3 Chlorine displaces the less electronegative Bromine and Iodine from their respective salts. The Hydrochloric Acid, HClO, is not very stable and the solution readily decomcomposes, especially when exposed to sunlight, yielding Oxygen.
Chlorine is also important in the manufacture of paints, aerosol propellants and plastics.
I2 The Iodine liberated in this reaction turns starch indicator solution to a blue colour. Chlorine bleaches litmus paper. All Rights Reserved.