How would one work out the oxidation number or Chlorine in #NH_4ClO_4#?

1 Answer
Jul 25, 2016

The oxidation number of chlorine in perchlorate is #VII+#.

Explanation:

Chlorine achieves its maximum oxidation number in perchlorate, i.e. #Cl(VII+)#.

How did I find the oxidation number? Well, the oxidation number of oxygen in oxides is typically #-II#, and it is here. The sum of the oxidation numbers is the charge on the ion, here #-1#. And thus, #-1=4xx(-2)+Cl_("ON")#. Capisce?

What is the oxidation state of #Cl# in #ClO_3^(-)" , chlorate ion?"#.

As a matter of interest, ammonium perchlorate is a prohibited substance. It is a potent oxidant, and would cause police officers to have kittens.