Question

In which compound does chlorine have the highest oxidation number?(1) NaClO (3) NaClO3(2) NaClO2 (4) NaClO4

Answer 1

NaClO₄

Solution:

Let us calculate the oxidation state of Chlorine in each compound one by one;

1) NaClO

O.N of Na = +1

O.N of O = -2

So,

(+1) + (Cl) + (-2) = 0

1 + Cl - 2 = 0

Cl = -1 + 2

Cl = +1

2) NaClO₃

(+1) + (Cl) + (-2)3 = 0

(+1) + (Cl) - 6 = 0

1 + Cl - 6 = 0

Cl = -1 + 6

Cl = +5

3) NaClO₂

(+1) + (Cl) + (-2)2 = 0

(+1) + (Cl) + (-4) = 0

1 + Cl - 4 = 0

Cl = -1 + 4

Cl = +3

4) NaClO₄

(+1) + (Cl) + (-2)4 = 0

(+1) + (Cl) + (-8) = 0

1 + Cl - 8 = 0

Cl = -1 + 8

Cl = +7