Description of experiment
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Needed compounds:
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bleach : NaClO
hydrochloric acid : HCl
p-aminophenol HCl : NH2 C6H4 OH . HCl
Class:
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elem=C,Cl
redox
Summary:
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When p-aminophenol is oxidized by hypochlorous acid, then an other oxidation
product is formed, compared to oxidation by e.g. persulfate, hydrogen
peroxide etc. When oxidized by hypochlorous acid a yellow solid compound
is formed, otherwise an intense indigo/purple compound is formed, which
remains dissolved.
Description:
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Add a little amount of bleach (appr. 4% active chlorine) to a solution of
p-aminophenol HCl in HCl (10% by weight): Formation of a yellow precipitate,
the liquid turns dirty yellow.
Add more bleach, such that the liquid still is acidic, but all p-aminophenol
has reacted: Liquid becomes pale yellow, the precipitate becomes bright yellow,
liquid starts bubbling and a pale green gas is observed above the liquid.
(Formation of chlorine, which can be recognized by its choking smell).
The yellow solid, which is formed has the following structure.
H H
C == C
/ \
O == C C == N - O - Cl
\ /
C == C
H H