Question

In the reaction \( 2\text{NaOH} + \text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow \text{NaCl} + \text{NaOCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \), what is the oxidation state of chlorine in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)?

• A. +1
• B. +2
• C. -1
• D. 0

Hint:

To determine the oxidation state of an element in a compound, consider the oxidation states of other elements and apply the rule that the sum of the oxidation states in a neutral molecule must be zero.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the given reaction, chlorine (\( \text{Cl}_2 \)) reacts with sodium hydroxide (\( \text{NaOH} \)) to form sodium chloride (\( \text{NaCl} \)) and sodium hypochlorite (\( \text{NaOCl} \)).
To determine the oxidation state of chlorine in sodium hypochlorite, we follow these steps: - In sodium chloride (\( \text{NaCl} \)), chlorine has an oxidation state of -1, as sodium (\( \text{Na} \)) has an oxidation state of +1. - In sodium hypochlorite (\( \text{NaOCl} \)), sodium (\( \text{Na} \)) has an oxidation state of +1, oxygen (\( \text{O} \)) generally has an oxidation state of -2.
Let the oxidation state of chlorine in sodium hypochlorite be \( x \). The sum of the oxidation states in \( \text{NaOCl} \) should be zero, as it is a neutral compound. Therefore: \[ +1 + (-2) + x = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = +1. \] Thus, the oxidation state of chlorine in sodium hypochlorite is +1.