The gas shows strong absorptions in the visible spectrum at 676.3 nm and 649.8 nm (red) the dissociation energy of the radium chlorine bond is estimated as 2.9 eV, and its length as 292 pm.

In retaliation for the rebels recent success, Idlib is being pounded by airstrikes, with reports of Russian jets dropping incendiary thermite bombs on civilian areas. Last night there were reports of chlorine gas attacks on rebel held Aleppo.