Chloride ions are negatively charged ions of the element chlorine. They are essential for many biological processes in the human body, including the maintenance of proper fluid balance, the regulation of blood pH, and the production of stomach acid for digestion.
In the body, chloride ions are found primarily in the extracellular fluid, which is the fluid outside of cells. They are also present in the form of chloride salts, which are important electrolytes that help to conduct electrical signals in the body.
Chloride ions are also important in many industrial and chemical processes. For example, they are commonly used in the production of bleach, PVC, and other chemicals.
