Question

Which one is the strongest oxidising agent?

Options

• HCIO

• HCIO₂

• HCIO₃

• HCIO₄

Answer 1

HCIO

Explanation:

The oxidising strength of chlorine oxoacids decreases with increasing oxidation state of chlorine. Hypochlorous acid is a stronger oxidising agent than chlorous, chloric, and perchloric acids because the chlorine atom is in a lower oxidation state and tends to gain electrons more readily to achieve higher oxidation states. Hence, the order of oxidising power is HCIO > HCIO₂ > HCIO₃ > HCIO₄.