Question

Explain the bleaching action of chlorine in the presence of moisture.

Answer 1

Chlorine requires moisture to bleach. In moist conditions or in the presence of water, it generates unstable hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which decomposes to release nascent oxygen, responsible for bleaching by oxidation. It bleaches vegetables or coloured organic substances.

\[\ce{Cl2 + H2O -> HCl + HOCl}\]

\[\ce{HOCl -> HCl + [O]}\]

\[\ce{Coloured organic matter + [O] -> Colourless organic matter}\]