Making a chloride solution fundamentally involves dissolving a substance containing chloride ions (Cl⁻) into a solvent, most commonly water. The specific substance and concentration depend entirely on the intended use of the solution. For instance, simple table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) dissolved in water forms a basic chloride solution.
However, the term "chloride solution" can sometimes refer to solutions used for disinfection, which contain compounds that release "available chlorine," such as hypochlorites. The method described below focuses on preparing such a solution from a dry powder, as detailed in the provided reference.
Understanding Different Types of Chloride Solutions
While a chemist might make a simple sodium chloride solution by dissolving NaCl in water for laboratory use or medical applications, a chlorine solution (often meaning a hypochlorite solution) is typically prepared for its oxidizing properties, used in disinfection or bleaching. The reference provided describes how to make this latter type of solution from a dry powder containing calcium hypochlorite.
Making a Chlorine Disinfection Solution from Dry Powder
To create a chlorine disinfection solution from a dry powder like calcium hypochlorite, you need to determine the correct amount of powder to dissolve in a specific volume of water to achieve the desired concentration of "available chlorine." The concentration is often expressed as a percentage (w/v).
The calculation depends on:
- The desired final concentration of the solution (e.g., 0.5%).
- The percentage of active ingredient (e.g., available chlorine) in the dry powder.
- The total volume of solution you wish to prepare.
Calculation Example (Based on Reference)
The provided reference gives a specific example for preparing a 0.5% chlorine solution from a dry powder containing 35% calcium hypochlorite.
The formula used is:
(Desired % / Percentage of active ingredient in powder) × Volume of solution in grams (assuming 1 L ≈ 1000 g) = Mass of powder required
Using the values from the reference:
- Desired % = 0.5%
- Percentage of active ingredient in powder = 35%
- Volume of solution = 1000 g (for 1 L)
Calculation:
[(0.5\% / 35\%) \times 1000 \text{ g} = 14.28... \text{ g}]
Rounded to one decimal place as in the reference:
[14.2 \text{ g}]
Therefore, as stated in the reference: 14.2 g of dry powder will be required to prepare 1 L of solution.
Practical Steps for Preparation
To make this specific 0.5% chlorine solution from 35% calcium hypochlorite powder:
- Measure the Powder: Carefully weigh out 14.2 grams of the dry calcium hypochlorite powder. Use protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Measure the Water: Measure out 1 liter of clean water.
- Dissolve: Add the measured powder to the water and stir gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Some insoluble residue may remain, which should be allowed to settle.
- Allow to Settle: Let the solution sit for a few minutes to allow any undissolved particles to settle at the bottom.
- Use the Supernatant: Carefully pour off the clear liquid from the top, avoiding the settled residue. This clear liquid is your 0.5% chlorine solution.
Here's a quick summary table for this specific example:
| Ingredient | Amount for 1 L of 0.5% Solution |
|---|---|
| Dry Calcium Hypochlorite (35%) | 14.2 g |
| Water | 1 L |
This process creates a solution suitable for disinfection purposes, based on the principles outlined in the provided reference. Remember that the required amount of powder will change if you use a powder with a different concentration of active ingredient or if you need a different final solution strength.
