Question
What is oxidation state of chlorine in chlorous acid?
MHT CET
Chemistry
Redox Reactions
2026
MHT CET 2026 (16 April Shift 2)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. +2
- B. +4
- C. +3
- D. +7
Answer
C. +3
Step-by-step solution
The chemical formula of chlorous acid is HClO_2. Let the oxidation state of chlorine be x. The oxidation state of hydrogen is +1 and that of oxygen is -2. Since the molecule is neutral, the sum of the oxidation states of all atoms is zero. +1 + x + 2(-2) = 0 1 + x - 4 = 0 x - 3 = 0 x = +3 The oxidation state of chlorine in chlorous acid is +3. Answer: +3
Related: Chemistry — Redox Reactions · All PYQ Banks