Oxidation numbers of two `Cl` atoms in belaching powder, `CaOCl_(2)`, are

Options

A. `+1 only`
B. `-1 only`
C. `+1 and -1`
D. none of these

Answer

To find the oxidation numbers of the two chlorine atoms in bleaching powder, \( \text{Ca(OCl)}_2 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the components of the compound
Bleaching powder is represented by the formula \( \text{Ca(OCl)}_2 \). It consists of calcium (Ca), oxygen (O), and chlorine (Cl).

### Step 2: Assign oxidation states to known elements
- Calcium (Ca) typically has an oxidation state of +2.
- Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2.

### Step 3: Set up the equation for the oxidation states
In the compound \( \text{Ca(OCl)}_2 \), we have:
- 1 calcium atom: +2
- 2 chlorine atoms (from \( \text{OCl} \)): Let the oxidation state of chlorine be \( x \).
- 1 oxygen atom: -2

The overall charge of the compound is neutral (0). Therefore, we can set up the equation:
\[ \text{Charge from Ca} + \text{Charge from O} + \text{Charge from Cl} = 0 \]
This can be expressed as:
\[ +2 + (-2) + 2x = 0 \]

### Step 4: Solve for the oxidation state of chlorine
Now, we simplify the equation:
\[ +2 - 2 + 2x = 0 \]
\[ 2x = 0 \]
\[ x = 0 \]

### Step 5: Determine the oxidation states of the chlorine atoms
Since we have two chlorine atoms in the compound, we need to consider the oxidation states of each:
- One chlorine atom is bonded to the oxygen (in the hypochlorite ion, \( \text{ClO}^- \)), which typically has an oxidation state of +1.
- The other chlorine atom is bonded directly to calcium, which has an oxidation state of -1.

Thus, the oxidation states of the two chlorine atoms in bleaching powder \( \text{Ca(OCl)}_2 \) are:
- Chlorine in \( \text{ClO} \): +1
- Chlorine in \( \text{CaCl} \): -1

### Final Answer
The oxidation numbers of the two chlorine atoms in bleaching powder \( \text{Ca(OCl)}_2 \) are +1 and -1.

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