Answer to Question #141449 in Inorganic Chemistry for Roshelle

Question

X is either chlorine or an oxide of chlorine.
X reacts with water, under suitable conditions, to form the two acids HCl and HClO3 in the mole
ratio of 1 (HCl): 5 (HClO3).
What could be X?
A Cl 2 B Cl 2O C ClO2 D Cl 2O7

Answer 1

The answer is c; ClO₂ (chlorine dioxide)

Chlorine dioxide, ClO₂ reacts with hot water to produce chloric acid (HClO₃) and hydrogen chloride (HCl).

6ClO_2(s) + 3H₂O_(l) $\to$ 5HClO_3(aq) + HCl _(aq)

The reaction takes place slowly and requires light energy to be initiated