Why does an aqueous solution of chlorine lose its greenish color over time? What is the basis of chlorine’s ability to bleach fabric and paper?
| November 9, 2020 | Education
An aqueous solution of chlorine eventually loses its greenish color, therefore, green-yellow chlorine reacts with water:
Cl2 + H2O = HCl + HClO
Two colorless acids are formed – hydrochloric acid (hydrochloric) and hypochlorous acid, which is unstable and decomposes into hydrogen chloride and atomic oxygen, which is a strong oxidizing agent.
HC1O = HC1 + O
It is this atomic oxygen that is capable of bleaching fabric and paper due to its strong oxidizing properties.
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