Question

The acid strength of different oxoacids of a halogen increases with ______ in the oxidation number of the halogen.

Answer 1

The acid strength of different oxoacids of a halogen increases with increase in the oxidation number of the halogen.

Explanation:

As the oxidation number of a halogen increases, the stability of the conjugate base formed after loss of a proton also increases due to better charge delocalisation by resonance. Hence, the acid strength increases in the order:

HClO < HClO₂ < HClO₃ < HClO₄

This trend is true for all halogens forming oxoacids.