Final answer:
The molecular formula for hydrogen chloride is HCl. This compound consists of one atom of hydrogen and one atom of chlorine. In disproportionation reactions, such as the one with molecular chlorine and hydroxide ions in basic solution, the chlorine is both oxidized to chlorate ions and reduced to chloride ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecular formula for hydrogen chloride is HCl. There are different compounds listed in the question, but for hydrogen chloride exclusively, which contains one atom of hydrogen and one atom of chlorine, the correct answer is option A. HCl. This compound is a gas at room temperature and is commonly used in chemistry for a variety of purposes, including the production of hydrochloric acid when dissolved in water.
To provide an example of how molecular chlorine reacts in a basic solution, the overall balanced equation for the reaction described in the question, where molecular chlorine (Cl2) reacts with hydroxide ions (OH-) to yield chloride ions (Cl-) and chlorate ions (ClO3-), would be:
3 Cl2 + 6 OH- → 5 Cl- + ClO3- + 3 H2O
This is a disproportionation reaction where chlorine is both oxidized and reduced.