Question

Which of the following is the strong oxidizing agent?
(A) $HOCl$
(B) $HCl{O_2}$
(C) $HCl{O_3}$
(D) $HCl{O_4}$

Answer 1

In order to find which of the following given compounds are the strong oxidizing agent, we must be knowing about the oxidation number of the Chlorine atom present in each compound. The lower the oxidation number greater will be their oxidizing power.

Complete step by step answer:
- Let us first see what an oxidizing agent is. Oxidizing agent is the substance which can Oxidize the other chemical species present in the reaction and it will get reduced.
- Oxidizing agent will increase the oxidation state of the other substance, while the oxidation state of it will be decreased.
- We can also say that oxidizing agents will remove the electron from the other species and it will gain those electrons.
- It has the ability to transfer at least one electronegative atom to the chemical species in the chemical reaction.
Now let us see among the given compounds which of the following is the strong oxidizing agent.
First consider $HOCl$, let us find the oxidation state of chlorine in $HOCl$.
The oxidation state of chlorine is +1.
Now consider $HCl{O_2}$,
The oxidation state of chlorine in $HCl{O_2}$is +3.
Now consider $HCl{O_3}$,
The oxidation state of chlorine is +5.
Now $HCl{O_4}$,
The oxidation state of chlorine is +7.
As we know that oxidising agents are the substance which will itself get reduced while oxidizing other substances.
So, a good oxidising agent will have a lower oxidation state.
The $HOCl$ is having the lowest oxidation number. Hence it is the strong oxidizing agent. While $HCl{O_4}$ is having oxidation number, therefore, it is a weak oxidizing agent compared to $HOCl$.

Hence the correct answer is option (A) $HOCl$

Note: Some of the application of the oxidising agent is
- They can be used for the purification of water.
- They can be used for the bleaching of fabrics.
- Combustion of fuel also requires the oxidizing agent.
- It will play a very important role in many biological processes.