Question

What is the oxidation state of chlorine atom in perchloric acid?

• A. -5
• B. +7
• C. +5
• D. +3

Hint:

In \(HClO_4\) (perchloric acid), chlorine has an oxidation state of +7, while in \(HClO_3\) (chloric acid), it has +5.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding oxidation state.
In perchloric acid (\(HClO_4\)), chlorine has an oxidation state of +7. This is because the oxygen atoms are typically assigned an oxidation state of -2, and the hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) -5: Incorrect. This is not the oxidation state of chlorine in perchloric acid.
(B) +7: Correct — The oxidation state of chlorine in perchloric acid is +7.
(C) +5: Incorrect. The oxidation state of chlorine in other compounds like chloric acid (\(HClO_3\)) is +5, but not in perchloric acid.
(D) +3: Incorrect. The oxidation state of chlorine in other compounds like hypochlorous acid (\(HOCl\)) is +1, but not +3 in perchloric acid.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) +7, as chlorine has an oxidation state of +7 in perchloric acid.