Arrange the following in order of increasing oxidation state of chlorine: NaClO,NaClO₃,NaClO_2, and NaClO₄. A)NaClO,NaClO₂,NaClO₃,NaClO₄ B)NaClO₄,NaClO₃,NaClO₂,NaClO C)NaClO,NaClO₃,NaClO₂,NaClO₄ D)NaClO₄,NaClO,NaClO₃,NaClO₂ E)NaClO₃,NaClO₂,NaClO,NaClO₄

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct order is based on the oxidation states of chlorine in each compound. In NaClO, chlorine has an oxidation state of +1. The oxidation states increase with the number of oxygen atoms bonded to chlorine, with NaClO2 (NaClO₂) having chlorine in +3, NaClO3 (NaClO₃) in +5, and NaClO4 (NaClO₄) in +7.

Arrange the Following in Order of Increasing Oxidation State of Chlorine