when chlorine gas is passed through an aqueous solution of a potassium...
Chlorine gas (Cl2) is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts with various substances. In the presence of chloroform (CHCl3), it reacts with aqueous solutions of potassium halides (KX) to form a characteristic coloration. Let's understand the reaction and its significance in confirming the presence of iodine (I2) in the aqueous solution.
The reaction between chlorine gas and potassium iodide (KI) in the presence of chloroform can be represented as follows:
2Cl2 + 2KI + CHCl3 → 2KCl + I2 + CHCl3
1. Initial Violet Coloration:
When chlorine gas is passed through the aqueous solution of potassium iodide in the presence of chloroform, a violet coloration is observed. This coloration is due to the formation of iodine (I2) in the reaction. Iodine has a characteristic violet color, which imparts the color to the solution.
2. Disappearance of Violet Color:
On passing more chlorine water (chlorine gas dissolved in water) through the solution, the violet coloration disappears, and the solution becomes colorless. This is because the excess chlorine reacts with iodine to form colorless iodide ions (I-):
I2 + Cl2 → 2I-
3. Confirmation of Iodine Presence:
The disappearance of the violet color and the formation of a colorless solution confirms the presence of iodine in the aqueous solution. This reaction is specific to iodine and not observed with other halogens like chlorine, fluorine, or bromine.
Significance:
The test described above is known as the Chlorine Water Test for Iodine. It is used to confirm the presence of iodine in a given sample. This test is based on the characteristic color change observed when chlorine gas reacts with potassium iodide in the presence of chloroform.
The test is specific to iodine and helps differentiate it from other halogens. Chlorine gas does not react with potassium chloride (KCl) or potassium bromide (KBr) in the same way, and thus, the color change is not observed in their presence. Similarly, it does not react with potassium fluoride (KF), which is why it is not a suitable option in this case.
In summary, passing chlorine gas through an aqueous solution of a potassium halide in the presence of chloroform initially gives a violet coloration due to the formation of iodine. On further addition of chlorine water, the violet color disappears, confirming the presence of iodine in the solution.
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