Question

In the reaction \( 2\text{NaOH} + \text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow \text{NaCl} + \text{NaOCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \), what is the oxidation state of chlorine in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)?

• A. +1
• B. +2
• C. -1
• D. 0

Hint:

To determine the oxidation state of an element in a compound, consider the oxidation states of other elements and apply the rule that the sum of the oxidation states in a neutral molecule must be zero.