Question

The oxidation state of bromine in HOBrO₂ oxoacid is ______.

Options

• +7

• +5

• +3

• +1

Answer 1

The oxidation state of bromine in HOBrO₂ oxoacid is +5.

Explanation:

Let the oxidation state of Br be x.

Hydrogen (H) = +1

Oxygen (O) = –2 (there are 3 oxygen atoms)

Since the compound is neutral, the sum of oxidation states is zero.

(+1) + (−2) + x + 2(−2) = 0 

−1 + x − 4 = 0 

x = 4 + 1

x = +5