JEE MainChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
An oxide of chlorine is known to be a highly reactive oxidizing agent that tends to explode. The oxidation state of chlorine in this specific oxide is +4 . Identify the chemical formula of this oxide and its primary industrial application.
Options
- AClO ₂ , used as a bleaching agent for paper pulp
- BCl ₂ O , used as a bleaching agent for paper pulp
- CClO ₂ , used primarily as a dehydrating agent
- DCl ₂ O ₇ , used as a bleaching agent for paper pulp
Correct answer
A. ClO ₂ , used as a bleaching agent for paper pulp
Step-by-step solution
Let the oxidation state of chlorine in the oxide be +4 . The formula of the oxide is ClO ₂ . Chlorine oxides are generally highly reactive oxidizing agents and tend to explode. Among them, ClO ₂ is widely used as a bleaching agent for paper pulp and textiles, and in water treatment. Cl ₂ O has chlorine in the +1 oxidation state, and Cl ₂ O ₇ has chlorine in the +7 oxidation state. Dehydration is not the primary industrial application of ClO ₂ . Answer: ClO ₂ , used as a bleaching agent for paper pulp