Question

A yellow powder 'A' gives a pungent smell when left in open. It is a good oxidising agent and is used for bleaching cotton linen in textile industries. Identify A and give its method of preparation. What is its commercial name ?

Answer 1

The given compound 'A' is calcium oxychloride because it is an oxidising agent and in open it reacts with CO₂ to give the pungent smell of chlorine gas.

CaOCl₂ + CO₂→ CaCO₃ + Cl₂.

It is prepared by the action of dry slaked lime with chlorine gas.

Ca(OH)₂ + Cl₂→CaOCl₂ + H₂O

Calcium oxychloride is commercially known as Bleaching powder.