In Class 10 Chemistry (Acids, Bases and Salts), several important chemical compounds are introduced. One of the most commercially important compounds is represented by the chemical formula $CaOCl_2$.
Bleaching powder is a pale yellowish powder with a very strong, suffocating smell of chlorine.
When left in the open air, it slowly reacts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to release chlorine gas.
Its actual chemical composition is quite complex, but $CaOCl_2$ is the accepted simplified formula.
Bleaching powder is synthesized by the action of Chlorine gas ($Cl_2$) on dry slaked lime (Calcium hydroxide).
Chemical Equation: $Ca(OH)_2 + Cl_2 \rightarrow CaOCl_2 + H_2O$ (Slaked Lime) + (Chlorine) -> (Bleaching Powder) + (Water)
Because the active bleaching agent inside the powder is chlorine. When it reacts with moisture or carbon dioxide in the air, it slowly releases chlorine gas, which causes the smell.
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