The reaction `Cl_(2)(g)+20H^(-)(aq)toClO^(-)(aq)+Cl^(-)(aq)+H_(2)O(l)` represents the process of bleaching. Identify and name the species that bleaches the substances due to its oxidising action.

Explanation

`overset(0)(Cl_(2))(g)+2overset(-2)(O)overset(+1)(H^(-))(aq)to overset(+1)(Cl)overset(-2)(O^(-))(aq)+overset(-1)(Cl^(-))(aq)+overset(+1)(H_(2))overset(-2)(O)(l)`
In this reaction, O.N. of Cl increases from 0 ( in `Cl_(2)`) to 1 (in `ClO^(-)`) as well as decreases from 0 (in `Cl_(2)`) to -1 (in `Cl^(-1)`). So, it acts both reducing as well as oxidising agent. This is an example of disproportionation reaction. In this reaction, `ClO^(-)` species bleaches the substances due to its oxidising action. [In hypochlorite ion `(ClO^(-))Cl` can decrease its oxidation number from +1 to 0 or -1.]