The reaction to make bleaching powder involves combining chlorine gas with dry slaked lime.
The creation of bleaching powder, also known chemically as Calcium Oxychloride (Ca(OCl)₂), is a chemical synthesis process. Based on the provided information, the fundamental reaction occurs when chlorine gas is passed over dry calcium hydroxide, which is commonly known as slaked lime.
The Synthesis Process
Bleaching powder is synthesized specifically through the action of chlorine gas on dry slaked lime. This chlorine gas is typically produced from the chlor-alkali process, an industrial method used to produce chlorine, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), and hydrogen.
Here's a breakdown of the key components and the reaction:
- Reactants:
- Slaked lime (Calcium Hydroxide): Ca(OH)₂
- Chlorine gas: Cl₂
- Products:
- Bleaching powder (Calcium Hypochlorite): Ca(OCl)₂
- Calcium Chloride: CaCl₂
- Water: H₂O
The chemical equation representing this synthesis is:
2 Ca(OH)₂ + 2 Cl₂ → Ca(OCl)₂ + CaCl₂ + 2 H₂O
Step-by-Step Reaction Overview
While the reference provides the core reaction, the process can be visualized as follows:
- Prepare Dry Slaked Lime: Ensure the calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) is in a dry state.
- Introduce Chlorine Gas: Pass chlorine gas (Cl₂) over or through the dry slaked lime.
- Chemical Reaction Occurs: The chlorine reacts with the slaked lime, forming a mixture containing calcium hypochlorite (the main component of bleaching powder), calcium chloride, and water.
Reactants and Products in Detail
To further clarify the transformation, here is a simple table outlining the substances involved:
| Substance | Chemical Formula | Role in Reaction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slaked lime | Ca(OH)₂ | Reactant | Calcium Hydroxide, must be dry. |
| Chlorine gas | Cl₂ | Reactant | Sourced from chlor-alkali process. |
| Bleaching powder | Ca(OCl)₂ | Product | Main active ingredient. |
| Calcium Chloride | CaCl₂ | Product | A byproduct. |
| Water | H₂O | Product | Also a byproduct. |
This reaction is fundamental in the industrial production of bleaching powder, a versatile chemical used for bleaching textiles, disinfecting water, and in various cleaning agents.
