Question

Oxidation number of $Cl$ in ${CaOCl}_2$ (bleaching powder) is:

• A. zero, since it contains ${Cl}_2$
• B. $-1$, since it contains ${Cl}^{-}$
• C. $-1$, since it contains ${ClO}^{-}$
• D. $+1$ and $-1$ since it contains ${ClO}^{-}$ and ${Cl}^{-}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $+1$ and $-1$ since it contains ${ClO}^{-}$ and ${Cl}^{-}$

$CaOC{l}_2\to C{a}^{2+}+OC{l}^{-}+C{l}^{-}$

In bleaching powder, $CaOC{l}_2,$ the two $Cl$ atoms are in different oxidation states i.e., one $Cl$ atom having oxidation number of $-1$ and the other as $OC{l}^{-}$ having oxidation number of $+1$.

Therefore,$+1$ and $-1$ since it contains $Cl{O}^{-}$ and $C{l}^{-}.$

Ans is option $D.$