Chlorine is used in the treatment of cyanide as what?

Chlorine is used in the treatment of cyanide primarily as an oxidizing agent. In the context of cyanide treatment, chlorine reacts with cyanide ions and facilitates the oxidation process, converting cyanide into less harmful substances, such as cyanate or even carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas, depending on the treatment conditions. This oxidation process is crucial for rendering cyanide non-toxic and thereby mitigating its environmental and health hazards.

The effectiveness of chlorine as an oxidizing agent is due to its high electronegativity and ability to accept electrons during chemical reactions. This allows chlorine to effectively oxidize a variety of substances, including cyanide. Understanding the role of chlorine in this process highlights its importance in wastewater treatment, particularly in scenarios where cyanide is present as a contaminant.