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Oxidation number of Cl in CaOCl2 (bleaching powder) is

1. zero, since it contains Cl2
2. −1, since it contains Cl−
3. +1, since it contains ClO−
4. +1 and −1 since it contains ClO− and Cl−

Correct answer: +1 and −1 since it contains ClO− and Cl−

Solution

In CaOCl2, chlorine exists in two different oxidation states: +1 in the hypochlorite ion (ClO−) and −1 in the chloride ion (Cl−), which is why the correct answer reflects both oxidation states.

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