Identify the correct chemical reaction involved in bleaching powder preparation

Correct option is C

(c) Ca(OH)₂ + Cl₂ → Ca(OCl)₂ + H₂O is the correct chemical reaction involved in bleaching powder preparation.

Bleaching powder, chemically known as calcium oxychloride (Ca(OCl)₂), is prepared by passing chlorine gas over slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂). This reaction results in the formation of bleaching powder and water. Bleaching powder is widely used for disinfection, water treatment, and as a bleaching agent in the textile and paper industries.

Reaction:

Ca(OH)2+Cl2→Ca(OCl)2+H2OCa(OH)_2 + Cl_2 → Ca(OCl)_2 + H_2OCa(OH)2​+Cl2​→Ca(OCl)2​+H2​O

Important Key Points:

1. Bleaching powder (Ca(OCl)₂) acts as a strong oxidizing agent.
2. It is prepared on an industrial scale by exposing slaked lime to chlorine gas.
3. It is commonly used for bleaching, disinfection, and in chemical synthesis.
4. Chlorine gas is essential for the preparation, and the reaction takes place in a dry environment.
5. Decomposes over time, releasing chlorine gas, which gives it a characteristic smell.
6. It is an important compound for public health applications, especially in water purification.

Knowledge Booster:

• (a) 2NaCl + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + Cl₂ + H₂: Reaction in the chlor-alkali process, not related to bleaching powder.
• (b) NaCl + H₂O + CO₂ + NH₃ → NH₄Cl + NaHCO₃: Reaction for producing ammonium chloride and sodium bicarbonate in the Solvay process.
• (c) Ca(OH)₂ + Cl₂ → Ca(OCl)₂ + H₂O: Correct reaction for bleaching powder preparation.
• (d) NaHCO₃ + H⁺ → CO₂ + H₂O + Sodium salt of acid: Describes the reaction of bicarbonates with acids, unrelated to bleaching powder.