Question

Oxidation state(s) of chlorine in $CaOC{l}_2$(bleaching powder) is/are?

• A. $+1$ and $-1$
• B. $+1$ only
• C. $-1$ only
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A $+1$ and $-1$

In $CaOC{l}_2$, two $Cl$ are in different oxidation states because one $Cl$ is attached to oxygen atom exists as $OC{l}^{-}$ and other is attached directly to $Ca$ exists as $C{l}^{-}$.One attached directly to $Ca$ has -1 oxidation state and one attached to oxygen has +1 oxidation state. So $Cl$ exists in two different oxidation states -1 and +1.