The bleaching action of moist chlorine is due to the formation of

Options

A. HCI
B. HClO
C. `HClO_4`
D. `HClO_3`

Explanation

To determine the bleaching action of moist chlorine, we need to analyze the chemical reactions involved. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Reaction of Chlorine
When chlorine gas (Cl2) is dissolved in water, it reacts to form hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HClO). The reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Cl}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{HCl} + \text{HClO} \]

### Step 2: Understand the Role of Hypochlorous Acid
Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a key component in the bleaching action of moist chlorine. It acts as a bleaching agent due to its oxidizing properties.

### Step 3: Formation of Nascent Oxygen
Hypochlorous acid can further decompose to release nascent oxygen (O) when it reacts with other substances. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{HClO} \rightarrow \text{HCl} + \text{O} \]
This nascent oxygen is highly reactive and is responsible for the bleaching action.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the bleaching action of moist chlorine is primarily due to the formation of hypochlorous acid (HClO) and the subsequent release of nascent oxygen, which acts as a strong oxidizing agent.

### Final Answer
The bleaching action of moist chlorine is due to the formation of **HClO (hypochlorous acid)**.

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