4. Chlorine dioxide

4.1 Physico-chemical properties

Also known as chlorine dioxide or chlorine peroxide, chlorine dioxide is a chlorine compound in the +4 oxidation state, making it a highly oxidizing agent with high disinfecting, bleaching and deodorizing power.

Its formula is ClO ₂ and its properties are summarized in Box 3. It is an unstable gas with a yellow-orange color and a pungent odor. Pure, it explodes by releasing chlorine under the effect of heat and/or light, or on contact with organic matter or other reducing substances: sulfur and its derivatives, powdered metals, phosphorus, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons... Mixed with air, it becomes explosive when its concentration exceeds 10% by volume.

Due...