Question

Which of the following should be used as a disinfectant?

• A. $\text{NaCl}$
• B. ${\text{CaOCl}}_2$
• C. ${\text{Na}}_2{\text{CO}}_3$
• D. ${\text{NaHCO}}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is B ${\text{CaOCl}}_2$

Among the given options ${\text{CaOCl}}_2$ (calcium oxychloride) is the formula of bleaching powder. It is used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant. It undergoes decomposition due to the carbon dioxide in air to release chlorine gas along with calcium carbonate. The reaction involved is given below:

${\text{CaOCl}}_2\text{(s)}+{\text{CO}}_2\text{(g )}\to {\text{CaCO}}_3\text{(s)}+{\text{Cl}}_2\text{(g )}\uparrow$

The released chlorine gas provides the disinfecting property to the bleaching powder.