When cold `NaOH` reacts with `Cl_(2)` which of the following is formed

Options

A. `NaOCl`
B. `NaClO_(3)`
C. `NaClO_(4)`
D. `NaClO_(2)`

Answer

To determine the products formed when cold sodium hydroxide (NaOH) reacts with chlorine gas (Cl₂), we will analyze the reaction step by step.

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactants in this reaction are:
- Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
- Chlorine gas (Cl₂)

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Conditions
The question specifies that the reaction occurs under cold conditions. This is important because the temperature can influence the products formed in a chemical reaction.

### Step 3: Write the Reaction
When cold NaOH reacts with Cl₂, the reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Cl}_2 + \text{2 NaOH} \rightarrow \text{NaOCl} + \text{NaCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

### Step 4: Identify the Products
From the balanced equation, we can see that the products formed are:
- Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl)
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
- Water (H₂O)

### Step 5: Analyze the Oxidation States
In this reaction, chlorine undergoes a disproportionation reaction:
- In NaCl, chlorine is in the -1 oxidation state.
- In NaOCl, chlorine is in the +1 oxidation state.
- The elemental chlorine (Cl₂) starts at an oxidation state of 0.

This means that chlorine is both oxidized and reduced in this reaction.

### Conclusion
The primary product formed when cold NaOH reacts with Cl₂ is Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) along with Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and water.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is **NaOCl** (Sodium Hypochlorite).

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