Choose the correct answer from the alternative given. Most commonly used bleaching agent is _________.
A. Alcohol
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Chlorine
D. Sodium chloride

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Detailed Solution

Alcohol: Used as a solvent and disinfectant, but it does not act as a bleaching agent.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Mainly used in fire extinguishers, refrigeration, and as a preservative. It has no bleaching properties.
Sodium chloride (NaCl): This is common salt, important for food and industrial use, but not a bleaching agent.
Chlorine (Cl₂): Chlorine is the most widely used bleaching agent. It works due to its strong oxidizing property.

When chlorine is added to water, it forms nascent oxygen (O) through the reaction:

Cl2+H2O→HCl+[O]

This nascent oxygen is highly reactive and destroys the coloring matter (dyes or pigments), thus bleaching the material. Because of this property, chlorine is used in:

Textile industries for bleaching cotton and linen.
Paper industry for bleaching wood pulp.
Household bleaching powder (CaOCl₂), which releases chlorine, is also based on this principle.

Correct Answer: C. Chlorine – the most commonly used bleaching agent.

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