Question

What happens when chlorine is passed over slaked lime at 313k? Write chemical equation of the reaction involved and state two uses of the product obtained.

Answer 1

.When chlorine is passed over slaked lime, Ca(OH)2, it is rapidly absorbed, forming bleaching powder, or chloride of lime. The reaction is: Ca(OH)2+ Cl2= CaOCl2+ H2O.

Uses of Bleacing Powder

It is used

(i) as a disinfectant and germicide especially in the sterilization of drinking water.

(ii) for manufacture of chloroform.

(iii) for making wool unshrinkable.

(iv) as an oxidising agent in industry.

(v) mainly as bleaching agent for cotton, linen and wood pulp.

However, delicate articles like straw, silk, ivory, etc., are not bleached by bleaching powder.