Question

Name two poisonous gases which can be prepared from chlorine gas.

Answer 1

Hint: Chlorine is the 17th element of the periodic table, having the symbol Cl. It belongs to the group of Halogens and is present in Group 17. Halogens are often known for their high reactivity due to their high electronegativity.

Complete step by step answer:
Chlorine is a yellow-green gas at room temperature. The two poisonous gases which can be prepared from chlorine gas are:

-Phosgene
Phosgene is an organic chemical compound, having the chemical formula \[COC{{l}_{2}}\]. It was first synthesized in 1812 by the Cornish chemist John Davy by exposing a mixture of carbon monoxide and chlorine to sunlight. In Greek, phos means light and gene means born. He named it "phosgene" giving reference to light which is used to promote the reaction. It is a colorless gas and its odor resembles freshly cut hay or grass (when present in low concentrations). It has wide applications in industries, especially for the production of urethanes and polycarbonate plastics. However, it is very poisonous. Phosgene being a highly toxic gas or liquid is classified as a pulmonary irritant causing throat and eye irritation.

-Mustard Gas
Mustard Gas, having chemical formula \[{{C}_{4}}{{H}_{8}}C{{l}_{2}}S\] is a pale yellow and oily volatile compound. It is a highly toxic liquid alkylating compound having a sweet to garlic-like odor. It evaporates to form a poisonous gas. Exposure to this gas is corrosive to the eyes, skin and lungs that may lead to blindness and blistering of the skin and can also cause severe or sometimes fatal respiratory damage such as lung and other respiratory tract cancers. The gas reacts rapidly with water in our respiratory system to form hydrochloric acid which causes swelling and blocking lung tissue. This leads to suffocation.

Note: Phosgene, being a poisonous gas had been used as a chemical weapon in World War I.
In the case of Mustard gas, the effects or symptoms may remain hidden for two to 24 hours after exposure.