Which oxide of chlorine is an odd-electron paramagnetic molecule that acts as a powerful bleaching agent and water disinfectant?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2)
- Step 1: Chlorine dioxide has 7 + 2(6) = 19 valence electrons (an odd number). Step 2. Due to the unpaired electron, ClO2 is a paramagnetic free radical gas widely used as an industrial disinfectant and bleaching agent. Answer: Chlorine dioxide (ClO2). Why not the others: Cl2O (20 e-), Cl2O7 (56 e-), and Cl2O6 are diamagnetic even-electron species.
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