Question
Account for the following:
Chlorine water has both oxidizing and bleaching properties.
Solution
Moist chlorine gives oxygen and therefore it can act as on oxidising and bleaching agent:
Cl2 + H2O → HCI + HCIO
HCIO → HCI + O
Chlorine is an oxidising agent as it can take electrons
Cl3, + 2e– → 3Cl–
Owing to liberation of oxygen from water moist chlorine bleaches vegetable colouring matter like litmus, indigo, lien wood pulp, cotton fabric etc.
Cl2, + H2O → 2HCl + [O]
Coloured matter + [O] → Colourless matter
