Question

The oxidation states of $Cl$ in $Ca{O_2}C{l_2}$ (bleaching powder) is / are
(A) +1 only
(B) -1 only
(C) +1 and -1
(D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint - To solve this question firstly we shall understand about the oxidation state. What is the oxidation state? The total number of electrons that an atom loses or gains in order to form a chemical bond with another atom is referred to as oxidation state. Hence, we will study all the related information and hence, approach our solution.

Complete step by step solution:
Now we would determine the oxidation state in $Ca{O_2}C{l_2}$
> Bleaching powder has two types of Cl atom which. oxidation state is $ + 1$ and $ - 1$. One is directly attached to calcium ($Ca$) and another with oxygen atom.
Therefore, it can be represented as $C{a^{2 + }}(OCl - )\,Cl$
Oxidation state of one chlorine is
$ \Rightarrow \,\, - 2\, + \,x\, = \, - 1 \\
   \Rightarrow \,\,\,x\,\, = \, + 1 \\ $
Oxidation state of another chlorine is
$ + 1$
> Bleaching powder is pale yellow powder which has a strong smell of chlorine. It is soluble in hard water and preferably used in soft to medium water. It has two forms mainly dry ( anhydrous ) hydrated (hydrous). The chemical name of bleaching powder is calcium hypochlorite It is mainly an inorganic compound.

Hence, the correct option is C.

Note - Bleaching powder is used for cleaning dirty clothes in laundry as a bleaching agent for cotton and in the textile industry. It is a strong oxidizing agent hence it is used as an oxidizer in many industries. It is also used as disinfectant which is used for disinfecting the water to make portable water.