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12 grade chemistry others

Which of the following is more acidic in nature?

  • A. HClO
  • B. HCl₂O
  • C. HCl₃O
  • D. HCl₄O

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10 Months agoGrade
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1 Answer

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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer10 Months ago

To determine which compound is more acidic, we need to look at the number of oxygen atoms and the overall structure of each acid. Generally, the more oxygen atoms present, the stronger the acid due to increased electronegativity and stability of the conjugate base.

Comparison of Acids

  • HClO - Hypochlorous acid, with one oxygen.
  • HCl₂O - Chlorous acid, with two oxygens.
  • HCl₃O - Chloric acid, with three oxygens.
  • HCl₄O - Perchloric acid, with four oxygens.

Acidity Ranking

Based on the number of oxygen atoms, the order of acidity is:

  • HCl₄O (Perchloric acid) - Most acidic
  • HCl₃O (Chloric acid)
  • HCl₂O (Chlorous acid)
  • HClO (Hypochlorous acid) - Least acidic

Thus, the most acidic compound among the options is HCl₄O.