Question

The oxidation number of chlorine in HOCl is:

• A. $-1$
• B. $zero$
• C. $+1$
• D. $+2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $+1$

Let the oxidation number of $Cl$ in $HOCl$ be $x$. The oxidation states of $H$ and $O$ are $+1$ and $-2$ respectively. Since the atom as whole is neutral, following equation holds true:

$1\times (+1)+1\times (-2)+1\times \left(x\right)=0⟹1-2+x=0⟹x=2-1⟹x=1$

Hence, an answer is $C$.