Question

What is the oxidation number of $Cl$ in $CaOC{l}_2$?

• A. 1
• B. -1
• C. 0.0
• D. -2

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A 1
B -1

There are two types of chlorine atoms present in $CaOC{l}_2$. One is attached to calcium and has a `-1` oxidation state and the other is attached to oxygen and has a `+1` oxidation state. The average oxidation state of chlorine in $CaOC{l}_2$ is `0`.