Bleaching powder is not used for bleaching which of the following?

Bleaching powder, chemically Ca(OCl)₂, is a widely used inorganic compound in the textile and paper industries. It is produced by treating slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂) with chlorine gas. Bleaching powder acts as a strong oxidizing agent and is effective in removing natural color from fibers and pulp.

In the textile industry, bleaching powder is used to whiten cotton and linen fabrics. It removes natural coloring matter, making the fabric suitable for dyeing and finishing. In the paper industry, bleaching powder is applied to paper pulp to produce white paper with high brightness.

However, bleaching powder is not suitable for costly or delicate fabrics. These fabrics may include silk, wool, or fine synthetic fibers. The strong oxidizing action of Ca(OCl)₂ can damage the delicate fibers, weaken the fabric, or cause uneven bleaching, leading to loss of quality and appearance. Expensive fabrics require milder bleaching agents or specialized chemical treatments that preserve the texture and color integrity.

Bleaching powder works by releasing nascent chlorine (Cl₂) in water, which oxidizes pigments and removes color. Its use is economical and effective for common fibers like cotton and linen but must be avoided for delicate textiles.

Understanding the properties and applications of bleaching powder helps students connect inorganic chemistry concepts with real-world industrial practices. It highlights how chemical reactivity determines the suitability of compounds for specific uses, emphasizing the importance of material compatibility in industrial chemistry.