Question

The oxidation state of Cl in hclo4

Answer 1

There is one H atom: (1)(+1) = +1 The oxidation number of O is -2. There are four O atoms here: (4)(-2) = -8 Therefore, the oxidation state of Cl is +7. NOTE: The maximum positive oxidation number for chlorine is +7, the same as its group number (VII).

Answer 2

The oxidation state of Cl is +7.

• The charge of the oxygen atom is -2.
• The charge of the hydrogen atom is +1.
• The compound is neutral so, the overall oxidation state of the compound is zero.
• Let the oxidation state of Cl be x.
• Thus we can write-
• $+ 1 + x - 2 \times 4 = 0 \\ x - 7 = 0 \\ x = + 7$
• Thus, the value of x is +7.
• The oxidation state of Cl is also +7.