Question

Find the oxidation state of the halogen in the following compound:

NaClO₄

Answer 1

Let the oxidation state of Cl be x.

In NaClO₄ the elements and their typical oxidation states are:

Na = +1 (alkali metal)

O = –2 (oxygen, 4 atoms = –8)

Then,

(+1) + x + 4(–2) = 0

1 + x – 8 = 0

x – 7 = 0

x = +7

∴ The oxidation state of halogen in NaClO₄ is +7.