Question

The function of bleaching powder in the preparation of $CHC{l}_3$ is:

• A. as a bleaching agent
• B. as an oxidizing, chlorinating and hydrolyzing agent
• C. as an oxidizing agent
• D. as a reducing agent

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

as an oxidizing, chlorinating and hydrolyzing agent

In the preparation of chloroform, bleaching powder acts as chlorinating, oxidising and hydrolysing agent
Bleaching powder and water react, form $C{l}_2$ and $Ca(Cl{)}_2$
chlorine then reduce ethanol form ethanal
ethanal react with more chlorine form chloral($CC{l}_{3}CHO$)
chloral react with Calcium hydroxide and form chloroform and calcium formate.