MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The oxoacids of chlorine are HClO, HClO_2, HClO_3, and HClO_4. The acidic strength of oxoacids of a halogen increases with an increase in the oxidation number of the halogen atom. As the number of oxygen atoms increases, the electron density is pulled away from the O-H bond, making it easier to release an H^+ ion. The order of acidic strength is HClO Therefore, the weakest oxoacid of chlorine is hypochlorous acid, HClO. Let the oxidation state of chlorine in HClO be x. The typical oxidation state of hydrogen is +1 and that of oxygen is -2. Since the molecule is neutral, the sum of oxidation states is zero. (+1) + x + (-2) = 0 x - 1 = 0 x = +1