What compound is formed when chlorine reacts with ammonia?

When chlorine reacts with ammonia, the primary compound that is formed is chloramine. This occurs through a chemical reaction where chlorine oxidizes ammonia, resulting in the formation of chloramines, which are derivatives of ammonia where one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms.

Chloramines play a crucial role in water treatment processes, specifically in disinfection, where they are favored for their stability and longer-lasting residual disinfectant properties compared to chlorine alone. They are particularly valuable in preventing the regrowth of harmful bacteria in water distribution systems.

The other options listed do not accurately represent the product of the reaction between chlorine and ammonia. Chlorimines is not a defined compound in the context of this reaction, as the term is often confused with chloramines. Chlorine dioxide is a distinct compound used for disinfection but does not result from the reaction with ammonia. Chlorine trifluoride is a highly reactive halogen compound and is unrelated to the interaction between chlorine and ammonia in the context of water treatment.

Therefore, understanding that chloramine is the intended product arising from this specific chemical reaction helps clarify the significance of this interaction in the field of water treatment.