Chlorine dioxide is a neutral chlorine compound. It is very different from elementary chlorine, both in its chemical structure (ClO2) and in its behavior. One of the most important qualities of chlorine dioxide is its high water solubility, especially in cold water. 

Chlorine dioxide does not hydrolyze when it enters water; it remains a dissolved gas in solution. Chlorine dioxide is approximately 10 times more soluble in water than chlorine. It is not affected by pH and has an excellent residual effect remaining active for hours to days. It does not interact with ammonia or ammonium. It is effective in cold temperatures.