Chlor-Alkalis

The term chlor-alkali refers to the two chemicals (chlorine and an alkali) which are simultaneously produced as a result of the electrolysis of a salt solution. The most common chlor-alkali chemicals are chlorine, hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). Further processing can create a variety of chemicals, including epichlorohydrin, allyl chloride, hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite and several others.

Caustic soda
Caustic soda is sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, obtained from the electrolysis of brine. It is a caustic metallic base, widely used in industry, mostly as a strong base in the manufacture of vinyl chloride (for PVC), soaps and detergents, viscose rayon, zeolite and a large number of chemicals, in the paper, textiles, dyes, refinery and other industries. It is also used to make food additives. Sodium hydroxide is the most common base used in chemical laboratories.

Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is formed by the reaction of chlorine and gaseous hydrogen; both obtained from the electrolysis of brine. Food grade hydrochloric acid is used in the production of food ingredients and food additives. It is also used in the food industry, especially in the sugar and brewery industries. Industrial grade applications include metal pickling, latex coagulation, dyestuffs, leather treatment, petroleum refining, galvanising and water treatment.

Chlorine
Chlorine is a halogen, found abundantly in nature and necessary to most forms of life, obtained from the electrolysis of brine. A greenish yellow gas, in its liquid and solid form it is a powerful oxidising, bleaching and disinfecting agent for water treatment. It is also used in the manufacture of many items like chemicals, paper products, antiseptics, dyestuffs, food, insecticides, paints, petroleum products, PVC and other plastics, medicines, textiles, solvents, etc.

Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite is a colourless, transparent liquid, formed by reacting chlorine and caustic soda, obtained from the electrolysis of brine. It is a strong and excellent steriliser, oxidiser, bleaching agent, decolouring agent and deodorant. Sodium hypochlorite is used as a bleaching agent for rayon pulp, paper and fabrics, for industrial water treatment and pool chlorination, as household bleach and for fly control and as a germicide and fungicide. It is also used as a food additive.