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Inorganic chemistry (1 questions)
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A common test to demonstrate the oxidizing properties of chlorine is the test with limewater (calcium hydroxide solution, Ca(OH)2).
Chemical Equation: 2Cl2(g) + 2Ca(OH)2(aq) → 2CaCl2(aq) + Cl2(g) + H2O(l)
Procedure and Observations:
- Bubble chlorine gas (carefully!) into limewater using a delivery tube.
- Observe the limewater solution.
Expected Observations: The limewater, which is initially a milky white solution due to the formation of calcium hydroxide precipitate (Ca(OH)2), will turn clear. This is because the chlorine gas oxidizes the hydroxide ions (OH-) in the limewater to oxygen gas (O2). The oxygen gas reacts with calcium hydroxide to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is soluble and causes the precipitate to disappear. The release of chlorine gas is also evident by the pungent, irritating odor.