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Chlorine Oxoacids

Mediumchemistry

Arrange the following oxoacids of chlorine in increasing order of oxidizing power: HClO, HClO₂, HClO₃, HClO₄

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About This Question

Subject
chemistry
Chapter
p-block elements
Topic
chlorine oxoacids
Difficulty
Medium
Year
2025
Tags
ChlorineOxoacidsOxidizing Power

Solution

Correct Answer:

HClO₄ < HClO₃ < HClO₂ < HClO

The Oxidizing Power of oxoacids is related to the stability of the central atom's oxidation state.

  • Rule: For these acids, oxidizing power decreases as the oxidation state of Chlorine increases.
  • Calculations: (), (), (), ().
  • Explanation: In , the chlorine is highly stabilized by four oxygen atoms through resonance (Perchlorate ion is very stable). In (Hypochlorous acid), the is more 'eager' to gain electrons and return to a lower state (), making it the strongest oxidizer.

This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter p-block elements, covering the topic of chlorine oxoacids. It appeared in the 2025 exam.

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