Question:medium

Among the following oxoacids, the correct decreasing order of acidic strength is

Updated On: Apr 24, 2026
  • $HOCl > HClO_2 > HClO_3 > HClO_4$
  • $HClO_4 > HOCl > HClO_2 > HClO_3$
  • $HClO_4 > HClO_3 > HClO_2 > HOCl$
  • $HClO_2 > HClO_4 > HClO_3 > HOCl$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine the correct order of acidic strength for the given oxoacids of chlorine, we must understand their chemical structure and electron-withdrawing capacity of the central chlorine atom.

  1. The oxoacids of chlorine are $HOCl$, $HClO_2$, $HClO_3$, and $HClO_4$. Their acidic strength is determined by the amount of oxygen atoms attached to the chlorine.
  2. The general rule is that the more oxygen atoms bonded to the chlorine atom, the stronger the oxoacid. This is because the additional oxygen atoms can stabilize the negative charge of the conjugate base through resonance and inductive effects, making the acid more likely to donate its proton.
  3. For each of the given oxoacids:
    • \(HOCl\) has one oxygen atom and is a weak acid.
    • \(HClO_2\) has two oxygen atoms, making it stronger than \(HOCl\).
    • \(HClO_3\) has three oxygen atoms, making it stronger than \(HClO_2\).
    • \(HClO_4\) has four oxygen atoms, making it the strongest among the given acids.
  4. Based on this understanding, the correct decreasing order of acidic strength for these oxoacids is: \(HClO_4 > HClO_3 > HClO_2 > HOCl\).
  5. Therefore, the correct option is: \(HClO_4 > HClO_3 > HClO_2 > HOCl\).
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