Question

Mention two reactions that displace chlorine from bleaching powder by giving equations.

Hint:

Bleaching powder (\( CaOCl_2 \)) releases chlorine when it reacts with acids or carbon dioxide, making it useful for disinfection.

Answer 1

Bleaching powder (\( CaOCl_2 \)) releases chlorine gas when it reacts with acids. The two main reactions that displace chlorine from bleaching powder are:
1. Reaction with dilute acid (HCl): \[ CaOCl_2 + 2HCl \rightarrow CaCl_2 + Cl_2 + H_2O \] 2. Reaction with carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)): \[ CaOCl_2 + CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow CaCO_3 + Cl_2 + H_2O \] Explanation:
- In both reactions, chlorine gas (\( Cl_2 \)) is released.
- The reaction with acids is commonly used in disinfectants.
- Reaction with CO\(_2\) occurs when bleaching powder is exposed to air.