Household bleach is an approximately equimolar solution of hypochlorite ion (CIO
ID: 526682 • Letter: H
Question
Household bleach is an approximately equimolar solution of hypochlorite ion (CIO^-) and chloride ion, Cl^- at a pH ~ 8. Adding acid to bleach will produce hypochlorous acid a strong oxidizing agent; 2 HCIO + 2 H^+ + 2 e^- rightarrow Cl_2 + 2 HO2O (1) E degree = 1.630 V Labels on bleach warn you to never add acid, because a 'hazardous gas can be released'. a. What is present in bleach for hypochlorous acid to oxidize? b. What is the hazardous gas released? c. Write the balanced net ionic equation for the redox reaction that occurs and determine the standard E degree for the reaction. d. What would the reaction potential be for the above reaction at a pi 1 = 8? e. EXPLAIN why you do not have to worry about the net reaction in part b when the bleach solution is basic.Explanation / Answer
a. Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a weak acid that forms when chlorine dissolves in water, and itself partially dissociates, forming ClO-. HClO and ClO- are oxidizers, and the primary disinfection agents of chlorine solutions
b. Chlorine is the hazaradous gas released in the Reaction. Elemental chlorine at high concentrations is extremely dangerous and poisonous for all living organisms, and was used in World War I as the first gaseous chemical warfare agent
c. 2 HClO + 2H+ + 2e Cl2 + 2H2O +1.63 V
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