What is the chemical name and formula of bleaching powder? What happens when bleching powder is exposed to air for long time? Give any two important uses of bleaching powder.

Chemical Name and Formula of Bleaching Powder:

  • Chemical Name: Calcium Oxychloride
  • Chemical Formula: Ca(OCl)2

Exposure to Air: When bleaching powder is exposed to air for a long time, it absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This leads to the release of chlorine gas and the formation of calcium carbonate.

Reaction: Ca(OCl)2​ + CO2 + H2​O → CaCO3​ + Cl2​ + H2​O

Uses of Bleaching Powder:

  • Disinfection: Bleaching powder is commonly used to disinfect drinking water and swimming pools as it releases chlorine, which kills bacteria and other pathogens.
  • Bleaching Agent: It is used in the textile and paper industries for bleaching cotton and linen fabrics and paper pulp.

Question-Related To Chapters Acid, Base, Salt: Exam Point of View