Question

Question #860fd

Answer 1

Chlorine has multiple oxidation numbers. It has seven valance electrons.

Explanation:

With seven valance electrons Chlorine needs one more electron to achieve a stable electron configuration The most common oxidation number for Chlorine is -1 This means that the electron density of another element has a greater probability of being near the Chlorine than the other atom.
Cl = -1

However Chlorine could bond with an element with a higher electron negativity than Chlorine and the electron density due to bonding could result in the electron (s) having a greater probability of being near the other element such as Oxygen

`ClO^-1` HypoChlorite

Cl = +1

`ClO_2^-1` Chlorite

Cl = +3

`ClO_3^-1` Chlorate

Cl= +5

`ClO_4^-1` HyperChlorate

Cl = +7

So Chlorine always has 7 valance electrons. The sharing of the these valance electrons can result in multiple oxidation numbers