Chloramine
From Freepedia
| Chloramine | |
|---|---|
| Systematic name | Chloroazane |
| Other names | Monochloramine Chloramide |
| Molecular formula | NH2Cl |
| Molar mass | 51.48 g/mol |
| CAS number | [10599-90-3] |
| Appearance | yellow liquid |
| Density | ? g/cm3 |
| Solubility (water) | Soluble |
| Melting point | -66 °C |
| Boiling point | ? °C |
| Related compounds | Dichloramine Nitrogen trichloride |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Chloramine (monochloramine) is a toxic substance (NH2Cl) created by the chemical reaction of ammonia and sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) under alkaline conditions. It is a yellow liquid at room temperature. It is commonly used in low concentrations as a disinfectant in municipal water systems as an alternative to chlorination.
Chloramine use by water purification plants is increasing. Chlorine is being phased out in favor of chloramine because chloramine is much more stable and doesn't dissipate from the water before it reaches consumers. There is also less tendency to form halomethanes such as chloroform in the presence of organic materials. Halomethanes have been recognized as a health hazard. Furthermore, water treated with chloramine lacks the distinct chlorine odor of the gaseous treatment and so has improved taste.
Aquarium owners must remove the chloramine from their tap water because it is toxic to fish. Aging the water for a few days removes chlorine but not the more stable chloramine, which can be neutralised using products available at pet stores.
Home brewers use chemicals such as Sodium metabisulfite to remove chloramine from brewing liquor as it cannot be removed by boiling, as is used with chlorine.
Dichloramine (NHCl2) and nitrogen trichloride (NCl3) can be produced by lowering the pH and adjusting the molar ratios of the reactants to favor their formation.
External links
- Chlorine and chloramines in the freshwater aquarium
- Chloramine in drinking water facts
- "Chlorinated drinking water", IARC Monograph (1991)
