Oxidation state of chlorine in perchloric acid is

Options

A. `+5`
B. `-1`
C. `-7`
D. `+7`

Answer

To determine the oxidation state of chlorine in perchloric acid (HClO₄), we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Write the formula for perchloric acid.
The formula for perchloric acid is HClO₄.

### Step 2: Assign oxidation states to known elements.
- The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) is +1.
- The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2.

### Step 3: Set up the equation for the overall charge.
Since the molecule is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states must equal 0. Let the oxidation state of chlorine (Cl) be represented as \( x \).

### Step 4: Write the equation based on the oxidation states.
The equation based on the oxidation states will be:
\[ \text{Oxidation state of H} + \text{Oxidation state of Cl} + 4 \times \text{Oxidation state of O} = 0 \]
Substituting the known values:
\[ +1 + x + 4(-2) = 0 \]

### Step 5: Simplify the equation.
This simplifies to:
\[ +1 + x - 8 = 0 \]
\[ x - 7 = 0 \]

### Step 6: Solve for \( x \).
Adding 7 to both sides gives:
\[ x = +7 \]

### Conclusion:
The oxidation state of chlorine in perchloric acid (HClO₄) is +7.