Question

Unknown halogen X2 was added to each of two test tubes which contained aqueous NaCl and aqueous NaI, respectively. When hexane was added to the test tubes, an orange color developed in the top layer of the first test tube, while purple developed in the second.
a. Identify X2.
b. Write a balanced equation for each reaction which occurred.

Answer 1

Answer:

$Br_2$

Explanation:

The compound $X_2$ is $Br_2$.

The reaction included are:

$Br_2+NaCl--> No\ reaction$  (because  bromine is less reactive than chlorine)

But , because of hexane the solution get dilute and its color changes to orange.

Now, NaI is added and we know Br is more reactive than I.

Therefore it replace it.

Reaction: $Br_2+NaI-->NaBr+I_2$

Purple color develop due to formation of Iodine.