Question

High humidity in storage can be reduced by keeping

• A. CaCl\(_2\)
• B. KMnO\(_4\)
• C. KNO\(_3\)
• D. Urea

Hint:

In post-harvest and storage questions, remember the specific roles of common chemicals: Calcium chloride (CaCl\(_2\)) and silica gel are for absorbing moisture (desiccants), while Potassium permanganate (KMnO\(_4\)) is for absorbing ethylene (ethylene scavenger).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for a chemical compound that can be used to reduce high humidity in a storage environment. High humidity means there is a high concentration of water vapor in the air. To reduce it, a substance that absorbs water from the air is needed. Such substances are known as desiccants or hygroscopic agents.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the properties of the given options:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{CaCl\(_2\) (Calcium chloride): This is a salt that is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily attracts and absorbs water molecules from its surroundings. It is a very effective and commonly used desiccant to keep enclosed spaces dry. } \\ \bullet & \text{KMnO\(_4\) (Potassium permanganate): This is a strong oxidizing agent. In storage, its primary role is as an ethylene scavenger. It oxidizes ethylene gas, which is a ripening hormone, thereby slowing down the ripening process. It is not used to absorb moisture. } \\ \bullet & \text{KNO\(_3\) (Potassium nitrate): This is a salt used primarily as a fertilizer and in other industrial applications. While it can absorb some moisture, it is not an effective desiccant compared to calcium chloride. } \\ \bullet & \text{Urea: This is a nitrogenous compound used extensively as a fertilizer. It is also hygroscopic but is not typically used as a desiccant for storage purposes. } \\ \end{array}\] Based on these properties, calcium chloride is the most suitable chemical among the options for reducing humidity in storage.

Step 3: Final Answer:
High humidity in storage can be reduced by keeping Calcium chloride (CaCl\(_2\)).