Cl
Chlorine
Z = 17 · Halogen · 35.5 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Problematic impurity in molten salt reactor fuels due to relatively high thermal absorption (σ_a = 33.5 b for natural Cl). Cl-35 produces long-lived Cl-36 (t₁/₂ = 301,000 y) by neutron capture, a waste concern. Isotopically enriched Cl-37 is preferred in chloride salt fast reactors.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 17
- Standard atomic mass
- 35.5 u
- Category
- Halogen
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cl-35 | 35 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Cl-37 | 37 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |