Bleaching powder (CaOCl₂) is an example of which type of salt?

Bleaching powder, chemically represented as CaOCl2, is classified as a mixed salt. Mixed salts are compounds that contain more than one type of cation or anion, excluding H⁺ or OH^-.

In the case of CaOCl2, the compound is composed of one calcium ion (Ca²⁺) as the cation and two different anions: chloride ion (Cl^-) and hypochlorite ion (OCl^-). The presence of these two distinct anions makes CaOCl2 a classic example of a mixed salt.

Why is CaOCl2 Considered a Mixed Salt?

Mixed salts are unique because they do not conform to the typical structure of simple salts, which have only one type of cation and one type of anion. CaOCl2 deviates from this pattern as it incorporates both Cl^- and OCl^-, offering multiple functionalities in a single compound. This dual-anion composition is a hallmark of mixed salts, further exemplified by CaOCl2.

Applications of CaOCl2

The chemical properties of CaOCl2 make it highly versatile. It is commonly used as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, and deodorizer. Its structure as a mixed salt contributes to its effectiveness in releasing active chlorine during chemical reactions, enhancing its utility in various industrial and household applications.