What is the oxidation state of #Cl# in #HClO_3#?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 5, 2016

A #+V# oxidation state is indicated.

Explanation:

Chloric acid is moderately strong in water. Since the parent acid is NEUTRAL, the sum of the individual, elemental numbers must be #0#.

Thus #H_(ON)# #+# #Cl_(ON)# #+# #3xxO_(ON)# #=# #0#.

#O_(ON)# is usually #-II#, and #H_(ON)# is usually #+I#. Given these numbers, it is fairly easy to assign an oxidation state of #+V# on the chlorine.

What are the respective oxidation states of #Cl# in hypochlorous acid, #HClO#, and perchloric acid, #HClO_4#?

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