The disproportionation reactions of chlorine

• Disportionation meaning.

  Disproportionation is the name for a reaction where

  an element simultaneously oxidises and reduces
• What is the reaction of chlorine with water?

  Cl2​(g)+H2​O(l)⇌HClO(aq)+HCl(aq)

  Chlorine is both reducing and oxidizing simultaneously.
• What happens when a universal indicator is added to the chlorine-water reaction?

  The solution turns red due to acidity, then turns colorless as HClO bleaches the color.
• How is chlorine used in water treatment?

  Chlorine is used to kill bacteria in drinking water and swimming pools. The health benefits outweigh its toxic effects.
• What is the reaction of chlorine with water in bright sunlight?

  2Cl2​+2H2​O→4H++4Cl−+O2​

  The greenish color of chlorine water fades as Cl₂ reacts and colorless oxygen gas is produced.
• Why is chlorine water greenish in color?

  The greenish color is due to dissolved Cl₂ gas.
• What is the reaction of chlorine with cold dilute NaOH?

  Cl2​(aq)+2NaOH(aq)→NaCl(aq)+NaClO(aq)+H2​O(l)
• What are the uses of the products from chlorine and NaOH reaction?

  The mixture of NaCl and NaClO is used as bleach and for disinfection.
• What is the reaction of chlorine with water in the dark, and how is it different from the reaction in sunlight?

  • Chlorine both oxidizes and reduces itself.

  In sunlight, a photochemical reaction occurs:

  Cl2​(g)+H2​O(l)⇌HClO(aq)+HCl(aq)

  • Bright light breaks down Cl₂, producing oxygen (O₂) and chloride ions.
  • In the dark, the reaction remains in equilibrium, forming HClO and HCl without further breakdown.

  2Cl2​+2H2​O→4H++4Cl−+O2​

  Thus, the key difference is that in sunlight, chlorine is completely broken down, while in the dark, it forms an equilibrium mixture. 🌿