Arrange the acids HOCl, HClO₃, and HClO₂ in order of increasing acid strength. A) HOCl

Question

Arrange the acids HOCl, HClO₃, and HClO₂ in order of increasing acid strength. A) HOCl < HClO₃ < HClO₂ B) HOCl < HClO₂ < HClO₃ C) HClO₂ < HOCl < HClO₃ D) HClO₃ < HOCl < HClO₂ E) HClO₃ < HClO₂ < HOCl

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The strength of oxyacids depends on the electronegativity of the central atom, the number of oxygen atoms, and the number of acidic hydrogen atoms. The order of decreasing electronegativity is Cl > S > O, and thus the strength of the acids increases with the number of oxygen atoms. HClO₃ has one more oxygen atom than HClO₂, and thus it is stronger. Finally, HOCl has the weakest bond because it has the least number of oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct order of increasing acid strength is HOCl < HClO₂ < HClO₃, which is option B.

Arrange the Acids HOCl, HClO3, and HClO2 in Order of Increasing

Arrange the Acids HOCl, HClO₃, and HClO₂ in Order of Increasing