gs1easy
Chlorination is a process used for water purification. The disinfecting action of chlorine is mainly due to
- A.The formation of hydrochloric acid when chlorine is added to water
- B.The formation of hypochlorous acid when chlorine is added to water
- C.The formation of nascent oxygen when chlorine is added to water
- D.The formation of hydrogen when chlorine is added to water
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B. The formation of hypochlorous acid when chlorine is added to water
When chlorine gas is bubbled through water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The primary disinfecting agent responsible for killing microorganisms is the hypochlorous acid. HOCl is a strong oxidizing agent and can penetrate cell walls of bacteria and viruses, disrupting their metabolic processes and rendering them inactive.
Source: UPSC gs1 2010