What is chlorine dioxide and what is it used for?

Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a highly reactive chemical compound primarily used in water disinfection, purification, and treatment processes. Unlike traditional chlorine, chlorine dioxide acts as a selective oxidant , allowing it to kill microorganisms without generating dangerous chlorinated byproducts such as trihalomethanes.

Main technical applications

• Water purification: used in treatment plants to ensure the microbiological quality of drinking water.
• Food industry: for disinfecting surfaces, pipes, and processing systems without leaving toxic residues.
• Healthcare environments: in hospitals and laboratories to effectively eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Paper industry: as a bleaching agent in paper manufacturing without producing dioxins.

Advantages over other disinfectants

Chlorine dioxide offers very high efficacy even in the presence of organic matter. Unlike sodium hypochlorite, it does not react with ammonia or form chloramines . Furthermore, its oxidative action remains stable over a wide pH range.

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Important

This article is for educational and technical purposes only. Chlorine dioxide should be used only in accordance with current legislation and under professional responsibility. Its use is regulated and should not be confused with unauthorized applications.