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Grade 12Inorganic Chemistry

What is theOxidation state of F in HOF? Explain how is it possible!!?

Profile image of Stampers
8 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of Arun
8 Years ago

HOF

Fluorine, being the most electronegative element, has an oxidation state of -1.

Remaining OH should have +1 state because the molecule on the whole is neutral. Moreover, the structure of HOF implies O having its 2 lone pairs intact. So it will have 0 (zero) formal charge. So, H is having +1 oxidation state.