What is the oxidation state of Cl in each ion? a. ClO- b. ClO2- c. ClO3- d. ClO4-
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To find the oxidation state of chlorine (Cl) in each of the given ions, let’s consider the general rules for assigning oxidation states.
a. ClO⁻ (hypochlorite ion)
In ClO⁻, oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2. Since the overall charge of the ion is -1, the oxidation state of chlorine can be found by balancing the charge:
Oxidation state of Cl + Oxidation state of O = -1
Let the oxidation state of Cl be x:
x + (-2) = -1
x = +1.
So, the oxidation state of chlorine in ClO⁻ is +1.
b. ClO₂⁻ (chlorite ion)
In ClO₂⁻, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2 (since it is typically -2 in most compounds). There are two oxygens, so the total oxidation state of oxygen is -4. Since the overall charge of the ion is -1, the oxidation state of chlorine is:
Oxidation state of Cl + Oxidation state of O = -1
Let the oxidation state of Cl be x:
x + (-4) = -1
x = +3.
Thus, the oxidation state of chlorine in ClO₂⁻ is +3.
c. ClO₃⁻ (chlorate ion)
In ClO₃⁻, oxygen again has an oxidation state of -2. There are three oxygen atoms, so the total oxidation state for oxygen is -6. The overall charge of the ion is -1, so the oxidation state of chlorine is:
Oxidation state of Cl + Oxidation state of O = -1
Let the oxidation state of Cl be x:
x + (-6) = -1
x = +5.
Therefore, the oxidation state of chlorine in ClO₃⁻ is +5.
d. ClO₄⁻ (perchlorate ion)
In ClO₄⁻, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2. There are four oxygen atoms, so the total oxidation state of oxygen is -8. Since the overall charge of the ion is -1, the oxidation state of chlorine is:
Oxidation state of Cl + Oxidation state of O = -1
Let the oxidation state of Cl be x:
x + (-8) = -1
x = +7.
Thus, the oxidation state of chlorine in ClO₄⁻ is +7.
Summary of Oxidation States:
a. ClO⁻: +1
b. ClO₂⁻: +3
c. ClO₃⁻: +5
d. ClO₄⁻: +7
