Question

On exciting chlorine​ molecule by UV light, we get
A. $C{{l}^{\bullet }}$
B. $C{{l}^{+}}$
C. $C{{l}^{-}}$
D. All

Answer 1

Hint: The covalent compounds undergo homolytic cleavage where the ionic compounds undergo heterolytic cleavage. Chlorine is a nonpolar covalent compound.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Chlorine is a halogen element.
Chlorine can undergo two types of cleavage.
In presence of heat it undergoes heterolytic cleavage and produces cation and anion.
In presence of light or UV light chlorine molecules undergo homolytic cleavage to form chlorine radical or $C{{l}^{\bullet }}$ .
Thus the correct option is A.

Additional information: Chlorine is highly and widely used as an antiseptic because it can destroy viruses and bacteria that cause several diseases by breaking the bond of the molecules. Chlorine dioxide is highly oxidant. It can be used to kill bacteria, viruses etc present in laboratory, clinic, home etc. That’s why chlorine is widely and highly used in sterilisation of medical clinics, medical laboratories, rooms etc. Chlorine is not used in the extraction of silver and copper.

Note: Radical is an active species. It acts as an intermediate species in organic reaction. These are actually produced by cleavage in the presence of light. These are the active species in chain reaction.