question_answer

The bleaching action of chlorine is due to the liberation of the following

A) \[HOCl\]

B)  \[HCl\]

C)  \[[O]\]

D) \[{{O}_{2}}\]

Correct Answer: C

Solution :

 Chlorine reacts slowly with\[{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}\text{O}\] to form \[\text{HCl}\]and \[\text{HOCl}\text{.}\]The \[\text{HOCl}\text{.}\]then decomposes into \[\text{HOCl}\text{.}\]and [O] radicals. \[\text{C}{{\text{l}}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O\rightleftharpoons HCl+HOCl\] These oxygen radicals are very strong oxidising as well as effective bleaching agent in aqueous solution of \[\text{C}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}\]or hypochlorite salt.