Polychlorides-A Safe and Convenient Alternative for Elemental Chlorine in Demonstration Experiments

Demonstration experiments involving chlorine are often impressive and can help to understand the reactivity of halogens. However, practical and safety concerns render handling of chlorine difficult in educational settings, particularly in high schools. Recent chemical research has demonstrated the potential of trichloride salts as a much safer and more affordable alternative to chlorine gas. Triethylmethylammonium trichloride, [NEt3Me][Cl-3], is a stable and safe ionic liquid that is easy to use and handle. Upon addition of water, chlorine gas is released in a controlled manner. This process presents a convenient method for conducting chlorine demonstration experiments. Experimental procedures are presented for the production of chlorine gas, the chlorine-initiated formation and subsequent luminescence of singlet oxygen, the synthesis of iron chloride and sodium chloride, and the electrophilic addition to lycopene.