Question

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

• A. $HOCl$
• B. $HCl$
• C. $[O]$
• D. $O_{2}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$[O]$

Answer 2

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