MasteryExams
General Science • ChemistryMedium

What is the chemical formula of bleaching powder, an important chlorine-based compound used for disinfecting drinking water?

A. Calcium carbonate
B. Calcium oxychloride✓ Correct Answer
C. Calcium sulfate hemihydrate
D. Sodium bicarbonate

💡 Solution & Explanation

Bleaching powder has the chemical formula calcium oxychloride and is manufactured by the action of chlorine gas on dry slaked lime. Calcium carbonate is limestone, calcium sulfate hemihydrate is plaster of paris, and sodium bicarbonate is baking soda. Bleaching powder acts as an oxidizing agent and releases chlorine upon reacting with dilute acids, which destroys pathogenic microorganisms in water treatment plants.

🚩 Report a problem