Q30 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (15 April Shift 2) · Chemistry

Identify weakest acid from following.

  • Correct answer
    A
    Hypochlorous acid
  • B
    Chlorous acid
  • C
    Chloric acid
  • D
    Perchloric acid

Solution

The given acids are oxoacids of chlorine.

The chemical formulas and oxidation states of chlorine in these acids are:
Hypochlorous acid: $HClO$ (Oxidation state of $Cl = +1$)
Chlorous acid: $HClO_2$ (Oxidation state of $Cl = +3$)
Chloric acid: $HClO_3$ (Oxidation state of $Cl = +5$)
Perchloric acid: $HClO_4$ (Oxidation state of $Cl = +7$)

The acidic strength of oxoacids of the same halogen increases with an increase in the oxidation number of the halogen atom. This is because a higher oxidation state of the central atom leads to greater polarization of the $O-H$ bond, making it easier to release an $H^+$ ion. Alternatively, the stability of the conjugate base increases with the number of oxygen atoms due to greater resonance stabilization.

Thus, the order of acidic strength is $HClO < HClO_2 < HClO_3 < HClO_4$.

Hypochlorous acid is the weakest acid among the given options.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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