Question

Which of the following is the correct order of acidic strength for the following compounds: HNO\(_3\), HClO\(_4\), and HClO\(_3\)?

• A. HClO\(_4\) \textgreater HNO\(_3\) \textgreater HClO\(_3\)
• B. HNO\(_3\) \textgreater HClO\(_3\) \textgreater HClO\(_4\)
• C. HClO\(_3\) \textgreater HNO\(_3\) \textgreater HClO\(_4\)
• D. HClO\(_4\) \textgreater HClO\(_3\) \textgreater HNO\(_3\)

Hint:

For oxyacids, the acidic strength generally increases with the number of oxygen atoms attached to the central atom and the electronegativity of the central atom. % Quick Tip

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The acidity of oxyacids like HNO\(_3\), HClO\(_4\), and HClO\(_3\) depends on the electronegativity of the central atom and the number of oxygen atoms attached to it. 

The greater the number of oxygen atoms and the higher the electronegativity of the central atom, the stronger the acid. - HClO\(_4\) is the strongest acid because chlorine is highly electronegative and has the most oxygen atoms attached to it. 

HNO\(_3\) is stronger than HClO\(_3\) because the nitrogen atom is more electronegative than chlorine, and nitric acid has more oxygen atoms than chlorous acid.