Cl is the best bleaching agent for cotton goods. It is not suitable for animal materials, such as silk and wool, as it attacks their fiber. It does not discharge either mineral or carbon colors. The chemistry of bleaching is obscure.
As dry material will not bleach, Cl seems to unite with H in H2O and to set O free. The O then unites with some portion of the coloring matter, oxidizing it, and breaking up its molecule. Colors bleached by Cl cannot be restored.
Chapter XXXI.
BROMINE.
Examine bromine, potassium bromide, sodium bromide, magnesium bromide.
157. Preparation.
Experiment 96.—Pulverize 2 or 3 g. KBr, and mix it with about the same bulk of MnO2. After putting this into a t.t, add as much H2SO4, mix them together by shaking, attach a d.t., and conduct the end of it into a t.t. that is immersed in a bottle of cold water. Slowly heat the contents of the t.t., and notice the color of the escaping vapor, and any liquid that condenses in the receiver. Avoid inhaling the fumes, or getting them into the eyes.
MnO2 + 2 KBr + 2 H2SO4 = ? Compare this with the equation for making Cl from NaCl.
158. Tests.
Experiment 97.—Try the bleaching action of Br vapor as in the case of Cl. Bleach a piece of litmus paper, and try to restore the color with NH4OH. Explain its bleaching and disinfecting action. Try the combustibility of As, Sb, and Cu.