Chlorine is passed into dilute, cold KOH solution. What are the oxidation numbers of chlorine in the products formed ? 

Options

A. `1 and +5`
B. `-1 and + 3`
C. `+1 and +7`
D. `+1 and -1`

Answer

To determine the oxidation numbers of chlorine in the products formed when chlorine is passed into dilute, cold KOH solution, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reaction
When chlorine gas (Cl₂) is passed into dilute, cold potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, the reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Cl}_2 + \text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{KCl} + \text{KClO} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

### Step 2: Identify the Products
The products formed from this reaction are:
1. Potassium chloride (KCl)
2. Potassium hypochlorite (KClO)
3. Water (H₂O)

### Step 3: Determine the Oxidation State of Chlorine in KCl
In potassium chloride (KCl):
- The oxidation state of potassium (K) is +1.
- The compound is neutral, so the sum of oxidation states must equal 0.
- Let the oxidation state of chlorine in KCl be \( x \).

Setting up the equation:
\[ +1 + x = 0 \]
\[ x = -1 \]

Thus, the oxidation state of chlorine in KCl is **-1**.

### Step 4: Determine the Oxidation State of Chlorine in KClO
In potassium hypochlorite (KClO):
- The oxidation state of potassium (K) is +1.
- The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2.
- Let the oxidation state of chlorine in KClO be \( y \).

Setting up the equation:
\[ +1 + y - 2 = 0 \]
\[ y - 1 = 0 \]
\[ y = +1 \]

Thus, the oxidation state of chlorine in KClO is **+1**.

### Conclusion
The oxidation numbers of chlorine in the products formed are:
- In KCl: **-1**
- In KClO: **+1**

### Final Answer
The oxidation states of chlorine in the products are -1 (in KCl) and +1 (in KClO).

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