Question

The active constituent of bleaching powder is: (a) \(\mathrm{Ca}\left(\mathrm{ClO}_{2}\right)_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OCl}) \mathrm{Cl}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OCl})_{2}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OCl}) \mathrm{Cl}\)

Short answer

(b) and (d) are correct.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

We need to identify the chemical formula of the active constituent in bleaching powder from the given options.

Identifying Bleaching Powder

Bleaching powder is commonly known to contain calcium oxychloride as its active constituent.

Analyzing the Options

Among the options, (b) and (d) both show the formula for calcium oxychloride as \( \mathrm{Ca}( ext{OCl})\mathrm{Cl} \).

Selecting the Correct Option

The chemical formula of the active constituent in bleaching powder is \( \mathrm{Ca}( ext{OCl})\mathrm{Cl} \), meaning both (b) and (d) are correct.

Key concepts

Calcium Oxychloride

Bleaching powder, a widely used chemical, primarily contains calcium oxychloride as its active constituent. Calcium oxychloride is known for its applications in both household and industrial cleaning due to its excellent disinfectant properties.
It is a white powder with a distinctive chlorine odor, making it easy to identify. In terms of practical use, one of its most common roles is in the purification of drinking water. When added to water, it releases chlorine, which acts to kill bacteria and deactivate viruses.
Furthermore, it is used in the textile industry for bleaching fabrics and in various sanitation practices to maintain hygiene standards. Understanding the role of calcium oxychloride can illustrate why bleaching powder is an essential product in many areas of life.

Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of a compound gives a snapshot of the elements it contains and in what proportions. For calcium oxychloride, the formula is represented as \( Ca(OCl)Cl \). This formula signifies the combination of one calcium atom, one oxygen atom connected with chlorine as hypochlorite (\( OCl \)), and another chlorine atom.

This formula is essential in understanding the composition and reactive nature of bleaching powder. The presence of the hypochlorite ion is vital since it is responsible for the bleaching and disinfecting actions.

• Calcium (Ca): Provides structural stability to the compound.
• Hypochlorite (OCl): Key reactive component for bleaching.
• Chloride (Cl): Enhances the chemical stability and potency.

Knowing the chemical formula helps students and professionals predict the behavior of the compound in various chemical reactions.

Active Constituent

The active constituent in a chemical compound refers to the component that delivers the primary effect or purpose. With bleaching powder, calcium oxychloride is the active constituent responsible for its powerful bleaching and disinfecting capabilities.
Such a constituent is crucial when assessing the effectiveness of products in specified applications, from household cleaning to industrial processes. The active constituent can also determine how the compound is handled and used safely.
In the context of bleaching powder, its effectiveness and usage rely heavily on the properties of calcium oxychloride, the compound that ensures materials are left clean and germ-free after treatment.

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry focuses on the study of inorganic compounds, which typically include minerals, metals, and other compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Bleaching powder, as an inorganic compound, fits well within this field of study.
This branch of chemistry is essential for understanding how such compounds interact, their properties, and their applications. Inorganic chemistry often explores topics such as crystal structure, bonding, and reactivity, all of which are critical when dealing with compounds like calcium oxychloride.

• Applications: Provides insight into industrial chemical processes and everyday products.
• Reactivity: Helps predict and safely manage chemical reactions.
• Material Science: Informs the development of new materials and compounds.

As with bleaching powder, an understanding of inorganic chemistry principles allows for the effective and safe utilization of compounds like calcium oxychloride in various sectors.