Chlorine vs Chlorine Dioxide: Which is the Superior Sanitizer?

Chlorine and Chlorine Dioxide are both widely used as sanitizers, but they have fundamentally different properties.

Chemical Differences

Despite the similar names, chlorine (Cl2) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) are chemically distinct compounds.

Effectiveness Comparison

Chlorine dioxide is generally more potent than chlorine at lower concentrations and works across a wider pH range.

Byproducts

Chlorine can form harmful byproducts (THMs). Chlorine dioxide produces fewer harmful byproducts.

Applications

Both are used in water treatment, though chlorine dioxide is gaining popularity due to effectiveness and fewer byproducts.

Conclusion

While both are effective, chlorine dioxide offers advantages including higher potency and fewer byproducts.