The correct order of acid strength is
HClO < HClO2 < HClO3 < HClO4
HClO4 < HClO< HClO2 < HClO3
HClO2 < HClO3 < HClO4 < HClO
HClO4 < HClO3 < HClO2 < HClO
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
To determine the correct order of acid strength among the given compounds, we need to consider the structure and bonding of each acid, focusing on the oxidation state of chlorine and the resulting electron-withdrawing effect. The acids in question are hypochlorous acid (HClO), chlorous acid (HClO2), chloric acid (HClO3), and perchloric acid (HClO4).
The strength of an acid generally increases with the number of oxygen atoms bonded to the central atom due to increased stabilization of the conjugate base via resonance. Let's examine each acid:
- HClO: Hypochlorous acid has one oxygen atom attached to chlorine. This acid is the weakest in this series because it has fewer oxygen atoms to stabilize the negative charge on the conjugate base through resonance.
- HClO2: Chlorous acid has two oxygen atoms. The additional oxygen increases the electron-withdrawing effect, thereby strengthening the acid compared to HClO.
- HClO3: Chloric acid contains three oxygen atoms. The increased number of oxygen atoms further stabilizes the conjugate base, making it a stronger acid than HClO2.
- HClO4: Perchloric acid has four oxygen atoms. It is the strongest among these acids due to the maximum resonance stabilization of its conjugate base. The extensive resonance from multiple oxygen atoms effectively delocalizes the negative charge.
The correct order of acid strength, therefore, is:
HClO < HClO_2 < HClO_3 < HClO_4
This order reflects the increasing ability of each acid’s conjugate base to stabilize negative charge through resonance, dictated largely by the number of oxygen atoms bonded to chlorine.
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