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Chapter 16: Problem 5

Discuss the bleaching action of bleaching powder.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Bleaching powder, \(CaOCl_2\), shows bleaching action in the presence of water. It undergoes a complex reaction to release chlorine gas which has a strong oxidizing ability, removing colors from substances. Hence, it is used in industries such as textile and paper for bleaching and also disinfect water supplies.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Chemical Composition of Bleaching Powder

Bleaching Powder is a white powder which is also known as Calcium Oxychloride. Its chemical formula is \(CaOCl_2\). It is widely utilized as a disinfecting agent and also for bleaching.
02

Discussing the Bleaching Action

Bleaching powder shows its bleaching action only in the presence of water. When bleaching powder comes in contact with water, it undergoes a complex series of reactions, liberating chlorine. It is this liberated chlorine that exhibits bleaching action by destroying the colors of substances.
03

Chemical Reaction with Water

When bleaching powder comes in contact with water, it decomposes to form calcium hydroxide and releases chlorine gas. The reaction can be written as: \(CaOCl_2 + H_2O \to Ca(OH)_2 + Cl_2\). Chapman's is commonly used to represent this reaction.
04

Role of Chlorine

Chlorine produced in the reaction has a strong oxidizing ability which is responsible for the bleaching action. This gas oxidizes the colored substances to colorless substances.
05

Use of Bleaching Powder

Bleaching powder is used to disinfect drinking water supply, to bleach cotton and linen in the textile industry, and in the paper industry. Its strong bleaching action is effectively utilized in these fields.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What are pseudohalogens and what are their important characteristics?

Give reasons for the following: (a) Fluorine exhibits only (-I) oxidation state while the other halogens can show higher oxidation states. (b) HF has the highest boiling point while lowest acidic strength among the halogen acids. (c) \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\) is the strongest oxidising agent.

Discuss the structures of the following compounds. (a) \(\mathrm{IF}_{5}\) (b) \(\mathrm{IO}_{4}^{-}\) (c) \(\mathrm{ClO}_{3}^{-}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (e) \(\mathrm{I}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\) (f) \(\mathrm{IF}_{7}\)

Discuss the characteristics of interhalogens and interhalogenoids.

Discuss the electropositive character of iodine with the help of suitable examples.
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