17ClChlorine35.45[Ne] 3s² 3p⁵
diatomic nonmetal

Chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical element with symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It also has a relative atomic mass of 35.5. Chlorine is in the halogen group (17) and is the second lightest halogen following fluorine.

Electronic structure

A stylized shell model. Electrons are quantum objects, not particles following these literal paths. Sizes and motion are illustrative.

Electrons by shell
Electron configuration
3s2
3p5

10 is the [Ne] core total across two shells.

Properties

At a glance

Atomic number
17
Atomic mass
35.45 u
Phase
Gas
Density
3.2 g/L
Melting point
171.6 K
Boiling point
239.11 K
First ionization energy
1,251.2 kJ/mol
Electronegativity
3.16
Electron affinity
348.575 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity
Unavailable
Period
3
Appearance
pale yellow-green gas

Conditions and isotopes affect measured properties. Some properties of short-lived elements are predicted. Electronegativity uses the Pauling scale.

Keep exploring

Explore the stories, imagery, and reference data in more depth. Properties with no value in the reference are marked unavailable.