Question

Identify $X , Y$ and $Z$ in the following reaction (Equation not balanced) $ClO + NO _2 \rightarrow \underline{ X } \stackrel{ H _2 O }{\longrightarrow} \underline{ Y }+\underline{Z}$

• A. $X = ClNO _3, Y = Cl _2, Z = NO _2$
• B. $X = ClONO _2, Y = HOCl , Z = HNO _3$
• C. $X = ClONO _2, Y = HOCl , Z = NO _2$
• D. $X = ClNO _2, Y = HCl , Z = HNO _3$

Hint:

Reactions involving chlorine oxides often produce hypochlorous acid and nitric acid as products when treated with water.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The correct option is (B): \(X = ClONO _2, Y = HOCl , Z = NO\)

The value of X, Y and Z in the given reaction is: 
\(ClO + NO _2 \rightarrow \underline{ X } \stackrel{ H _2 O }{\longrightarrow} \underline{ Y }+\underline{Z}\)

\(ClO+NO_2 ​⟶\underset{(X)}{ClONO_2}​​ \overset{H2​O​}{​⟶} \,\underset{(Y)}{HOCl​}+ \underset{(Z)}{ HNO_3​​}\)

Answer 2

The reaction occurs as follows:

\[ \text{ClO} + \text{NO}_2 \rightarrow \text{ClO}\text{NO}_2 \quad (\text{Compound X}) \]

When this compound is treated with water, it breaks down to form hypochlorous acid and nitric acid. The reaction is a simple decomposition:

\[ \text{ClO}\text{NO}_2 \xrightarrow{H_2O} \text{HOCl} + \text{HNO}_3 \]

Thus, \( X = \text{ClO}\text{NO}_2 \), \( Y = \text{HOCl} \), and \( Z = \text{HNO}_3 \). This reaction shows the chemical behavior of chlorinating and oxidizing agents when in contact with water.