Question

Give the important uses of oxoacids of chlorine.

Answer 1

1. Hypochlorous acid (HClO) and its salts (hypochlorites) are powerful oxidising agents used as bleaching and sterilising agents.
2. Bleaching powder is made using hypochlorous acid; it is used in disinfecting water and bleaching fabrics.
3. Chlorine oxides (Cl₂O, ClO₂) are used for bleaching paper pulp and textiles and in water treatment.
4. Perchloric acid (HClO₄) is used as a strong acid and in rocket propellants.