What chemical is utilized in an Orsat combustion gas analyzer?

The correct choice, which is cuprous chloride, is utilized in an Orsat combustion gas analyzer as a chemical absorbent. The primary function of the Orsat analyzer is to determine the concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxygen in combustion gases.

Cuprous chloride specifically reacts with carbon monoxide in the sample gas, allowing for the measurement of its concentration. This reaction is critical because it provides a reliable method for analyzing gas composition, which is essential in optimizing combustion processes and ensuring efficient operation of combustion equipment.

The other chemicals listed do not serve this specific purpose in the context of a combustion gas analyzer. Sodium bicarbonate is often used in neutralization reactions, chlorine gas is a strong oxidizing agent used for disinfection and bleaching, and potassium permanganate serves as a strong oxidizer in various chemical processes but does not have the role of gas absorption in the Orsat analyzer. Thus, cuprous chloride stands out as the appropriate chemical choice for the functionality of the Orsat combustion gas analyzer.