Question

Which one of the following is present as an active ingredient in bleaching powder for bleaching action?

• A. $Ca (OCl_2)$
• B. $Ca O_2 Cl_2$
• C. $ CaCl_2$
• D. $ CaCl_2$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Bleaching powder is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a disinfectant and for bleaching purposes. The key active ingredient responsible for its bleaching action is calcium hypochlorite.

Components of Bleaching Powder

1. Ca(OCl)_2 - Calcium Hypochlorite: This is the active ingredient in bleaching powder, known for its strong oxidation properties, making it effective for bleaching and disinfection.
2. The options provided are:
   • Ca(OCl)_2
   • Ca O_2 Cl_2
   • CaCl_2
   • CaCl_2

Reasoning

Among the given options, only Ca(OCl)_2 matches with calcium hypochlorite, which is known to be present in bleaching powder as the active bleaching agent. The other options do not represent the chemical structure of calcium hypochlorite:

• CaO_2Cl_2 is incorrect as it does not represent any known compound used in bleaching.
• CaCl_2 is calcium chloride, which is not used for bleaching.

Conclusion

Therefore, the correct answer is Ca(OCl)_2, which is calcium hypochlorite, the active ingredient responsible for the bleaching action of bleaching powder.