2 KOH (aq) + Cl2 (g) KClO (l) + KCl (aq) + H2O (l)

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

Cl0 - 1 e- ClI (oxidation)

Cl0 + e- Cl-I (reduction)

Cl2 is both an oxidizing and a reducing agent (disproportionation (dismutation)).

Reactants:

  • KOHPotassium hydroxide source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02
    • Other names: Caustic potash source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02, Lye source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02, Potash lye source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02
    • Appearance: White solid, deliquescent source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27; White hygroscopic solid in various forms source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04; Odorless, white or slightly yellow lumps, rods, flakes, sticks, or pellets. [Note: May be used as an aqueous solution.] source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02
  • Cl2
    • Names: Chlorine source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02, Molecular chlorine source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02
    • Appearance: Greenish-yellow compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04; Greenish-yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.] source: NIOSH NPG, accessed: 2019-09-02

Products:

  • KClO
    • Names: Potassium hypochlorite source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02
    • Appearance: Light grey liquid source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27
  • KCl
    • Names: Potassium chloride source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04, Sylvite source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02, Muriate of potash source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27source: wikidata, accessed: 2019-09-02
    • Appearance: White crystalline solid source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27; Colourless hygroscopic crystals source: ICSC, accessed: 2019-09-04
  • H2OWater, oxidane source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27
    • Other names: Water (H2O) source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27, Hydrogen hydroxide (HH or HOH) source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27, Hydrogen oxide source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27
    • Appearance: White crystalline solid, almost colorless liquid with a hint of blue, colorless gas source: wikipedia, accessed: 2019-09-27