What is the oxidation number of Br in BrCl?

1 Answer
anor277
Oct 23, 2015

Given the definition (to follow), the oxidation state of #Br# is #+I#, and #Cl# is #-I#. Why?

Explanation:

By definition, oxidation number is the charge left on the given atom when all the bonding pairs (of electrons) are broken, with charge devolving to the most electronegative atom. Since chlorine is more electronegative than bromine, clearly the 2 bonding electrons devolve to #Cl#. By this reasoning can you assign oxidation numbers to the interhalogen #IF_7#?

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