Which one of the following statements regarding Bleaching powder and D.D.T. is correct?
Both contain chlorine
Understanding Bleaching Powder and D.D.T. Composition
This question asks us to identify a common characteristic shared by Bleaching powder and D.D.T. (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). Let's examine the chemical nature and composition of both substances to determine the correct statement.
What is Bleaching Powder?
Bleaching powder is a common chemical compound. Its chemical name is Calcium hypochlorite. It is often represented by the formula $\text{CaOCl}_2$, although its composition is more complex and contains a mixture of calcium hypochlorite, calcium chloride, and calcium hydroxide. Bleaching powder is produced by passing chlorine gas over dry slaked lime ($\text{Ca(OH)}_2$).
Based on its common formula and production method, Bleaching powder is an inorganic compound containing calcium and chlorine.
What is D.D.T.?
D.D.T. stands for Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. It is a synthetic organic compound widely known for its insecticide properties, although its use is now restricted in many places due to environmental concerns. Its chemical formula is $\text{(ClC}_6\text{H}_4\text{)}_2\text{CH(CCl}_3\text{)}$. This formula shows that D.D.T. is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms, arranged in a specific molecular structure involving benzene rings.
Since D.D.T. contains carbon-hydrogen bonds and has a complex molecular structure typical of molecules derived from hydrocarbons, it is classified as an organic compound. It contains chlorine atoms bonded to both the aromatic rings and the aliphatic chain.
Comparing Bleaching Powder and D.D.T. Properties
Now, let's analyze the given options based on our understanding of Bleaching powder and D.D.T.:
- Option 1: Both are inorganic compounds
Bleaching powder is an inorganic compound. However, D.D.T. is an organic compound. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
- Option 2: Both are organic compounds
D.D.T. is an organic compound. However, Bleaching powder is an inorganic compound. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
- Option 3: Both contain chlorine
Bleaching powder has the formula $\text{CaOCl}_2$. This formula clearly shows the presence of chlorine ($\text{Cl}$) atoms.
D.D.T. has the formula $\text{(ClC}_6\text{H}_4\text{)}_2\text{CH(CCl}_3\text{)}$. This formula shows the presence of multiple chlorine ($\text{Cl}$) atoms (a total of 5 per molecule).
Since both Bleaching powder and D.D.T. have chlorine atoms in their chemical structures, this statement is correct.
- Option 4: Both contain calcium
Bleaching powder contains calcium ($\text{Ca}$) as indicated by its formula $\text{CaOCl}_2$.
D.D.T.'s formula is $\text{(ClC}_6\text{H}_4\text{)}_2\text{CH(CCl}_3\text{)}$. This formula does not contain any calcium atoms. It contains carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine.
Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Based on the analysis, the only correct statement is that both Bleaching powder and D.D.T. contain chlorine.
| Property | Bleaching Powder ($\text{CaOCl}_2$) | D.D.T. ($\text{(ClC}_6\text{H}_4\text{)}_2\text{CH(CCl}_3\text{)}$) | Common? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature (Organic/Inorganic) | Inorganic | Organic | No |
| Contains Chlorine ($\text{Cl}$) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Contains Calcium ($\text{Ca}$) | Yes | No | No |
Revision Table: Key Concepts of Bleaching Powder and D.D.T.
| Compound | Chemical Name/Composition | Chemical Formula | Nature | Key Elements Present |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bleaching Powder | Calcium Hypochlorite (mixture) | Often $\text{CaOCl}_2$ | Inorganic | Calcium, Oxygen, Chlorine |
| D.D.T. | Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane | $\text{(ClC}_6\text{H}_4\text{)}_2\text{CH(CCl}_3\text{)}$ | Organic | Carbon, Hydrogen, Chlorine |
Additional Information on Bleaching Powder and D.D.T. Properties
- Bleaching Powder Uses: Used as a bleaching agent in textile and paper industries, as an oxidizing agent, and for disinfection of water.
- D.D.T. Uses: Historically used as an insecticide to control mosquitoes spreading malaria and typhus, and for agricultural pest control. Its persistence in the environment and harmful effects on wildlife led to its ban or restriction in many countries.
- Chlorine's Role: In Bleaching powder, the hypochlorite ion ($\text{OCl}^-$) is responsible for the bleaching and disinfecting action, where chlorine is in a positive oxidation state. In D.D.T., chlorine atoms are part of the stable organic molecule structure.
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