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Reaction with Alkali

Disproportionation is a redox reaction in which the same element is both oxidised and reduced.
The reaction of chlorine with cold, dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide:Cl2(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → NaClO(aq) + NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)The oxidation state of chlorine is +1 in NaClO and -1 in NaCl.
Chlorine with hot alkali:3 Cl2 + 6NaOH → 5 NaCl + NaClO3 + 3H2O
NaClO is used as household bleach

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Specification: AQA Chemistry (7404), AS-level, 3.2.3.2 Uses of chlorine and chlorate(I). Topic: Group 7.

Key terms in this lesson

Oxidation
The addition of oxygen, the removal of hydrogen, the loss of electrons, or an increase in oxidation number.
Oxidation number
A number that represents the number of electrons an atom has lost or gained, or would do if the compound were fully ionic.
Disproportionation
A redox reaction in which the same element is simultaneously oxidised and reduced.

More in Group 7

All 20 lessons in Group 7 · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics