Which of the following oxo acids of chlorine is the best oxidisinig agent?

Options

A. HCIO
B. `HClO_2`
C. `HClO_3`
D. `HClO_4`

Answer

To determine which oxo acid of chlorine is the best oxidizing agent, we need to analyze the oxidation states of chlorine in each of the given oxo acids. The lower the oxidation state of chlorine, the stronger its oxidizing ability. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Determine the oxidation state of chlorine in HClO
Let the oxidation state of chlorine be \( x \).
- The equation is set up as follows:
\[ +1 + x - 2 = 0 \]
- Simplifying this gives:
\[ x - 1 = 0 \implies x = +1 \]

### Step 2: Determine the oxidation state of chlorine in HClO2
Let the oxidation state of chlorine be \( x \).
- The equation is set up as follows:
\[ +1 + x - 4 = 0 \]
- Simplifying this gives:
\[ x - 3 = 0 \implies x = +3 \]

### Step 3: Determine the oxidation state of chlorine in HClO3
Let the oxidation state of chlorine be \( x \).
- The equation is set up as follows:
\[ +1 + x - 6 = 0 \]
- Simplifying this gives:
\[ x - 5 = 0 \implies x = +5 \]

### Step 4: Determine the oxidation state of chlorine in HClO4
Let the oxidation state of chlorine be \( x \).
- The equation is set up as follows:
\[ +1 + x - 8 = 0 \]
- Simplifying this gives:
\[ x - 7 = 0 \implies x = +7 \]

### Step 5: Compare the oxidation states
Now we have the oxidation states of chlorine in each oxo acid:
- HClO: +1
- HClO2: +3
- HClO3: +5
- HClO4: +7

### Step 6: Identify the best oxidizing agent
The best oxidizing agent is the one with the lowest oxidation state because it has a greater tendency to gain electrons. From our findings:
- HClO has the lowest oxidation state of +1.

### Conclusion
Thus, the best oxidizing agent among the given oxo acids of chlorine is **HClO**.

### Final Answer
**HClO (Option A)** is the best oxidizing agent.

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