Given that hypohalous acids form by the following reaction
X₂(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇌ HOX(aq) + H⁺(aq) + X^-(aq)
Which of the following changes will increase the yield of HOX?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypohalous acids are stronger in acidic solution, so increasing the pH would shift the equilibrium towards the hypohalous acid (HOX) side, leading to increased yield. Therefore, increasing the pH will increase the yield of HOX. Choice A (adding water) would not affect the equilibrium position, while choice B (adding X^-) would actually shift the equilibrium away from HOX formation. Choice C (decreasing the pH) may increase the concentration of HClO, but it may also cause the acid to protonate other species in solution, leading to a decrease in the overall concentration of HClO.

Given That Hypohalous Acids Form by the Following Reaction