Test for Chlorine Gas
- The test for chlorine makes use of litmus paper
- If chlorine gas is present, damp blue litmus paper will turn red and then be bleached white
- It turns red initially as acids are produced when chlorine comes into contact with water
- Chlorine also has a characteristic sharp, choking smell
- Chlorine should always be handled in a fume cupboard due to its toxicity
Testing for chlorine gas
Chlorine bleaches damp blue litmus paper white
Exam Tip
You should distinguish between properties of gases and tests for gases. Chlorine 'smells like swimming pools' is a characteristic, but not an acceptable means of identification.
