Question

Ozonolysis of \(ClO_2\) produces oxide of chlorine. The average oxidation state of chlorine in this oxide is ____.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 6

Step 1: Understanding the Given Reaction
We are given the following reaction:
\( 2 \, \text{ClO}_2 + 2 \, \text{O}_3 \rightarrow \text{Cl}_2\text{O}_6 + 2 \, \text{O}_2 \)
This reaction shows chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) reacting with ozone (O₃) to give dichlorine hexoxide (Cl₂O₆) and oxygen gas (O₂).
Step 2: Paramagnetism of ClO₂
ClO₂ contains an odd electron, which makes it paramagnetic. This is because it has an unpaired electron in its molecular orbitals, which causes it to be attracted to magnetic fields.
Step 3: Oxidation States of Chlorine in ClO₂ and Cl₂O₆
To determine the oxidation state of chlorine in the given compounds, we need to consider the oxidation state of oxygen (which is typically -2 in most compounds) and apply the rules for calculating oxidation states.
- In ClO₂, oxygen has an oxidation state of -2. Since the compound is neutral overall, we can use the equation to determine the oxidation state of chlorine: \[ x + 2(-2) = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x - 4 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = +4 \] So, the oxidation state of chlorine in ClO₂ is +4.
- In Cl₂O₆, there are six oxygens with an oxidation state of -2 each. The total oxidation state for oxygen is: \[ 6(-2) = -12 \] Since the compound is neutral, we can use the following equation to find the oxidation state of chlorine: \[ 2x + (-12) = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 2x = 12 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = +6 \] Therefore, the oxidation state of chlorine in Cl₂O₆ is +6.
Step 4: Conclusion
From the above calculations, we can conclude that in Cl₂O₆, the average oxidation state of chlorine is +6.