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Chlorine Gas - How to Prepare Chlorine Gas

Gas Preparation Instructions

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

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Vial of chlorine gas.

Vial of chlorine gas.

Ben Mills
These are instructions for preparing chlorine gas (Cl2) from potassium permanganate and concentrated hydrochloric acid.

Reactants

potassium permanganate
concentrated hydrochloric acid

Gas Preparation

Add concentrated hydrochloric acid dropwise onto a small quantity of potassium permanganate crystals (in a flask). Collect the chlorine gas by upward displacement of air in a hood. Use proper safety precautions. Concentrated hydrochloric acid is extremely caustic. Chlorine gas is toxic.

Reaction

6HCl + 2KMnO4 + 2H+ --> 3Cl2 + 2MnO2 + 4H2O + 2K+

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