Numford
Oxidation number

Cl in HOCl

Cl is +1 in hypochlorous acid.

Oxidation number

Type a formula or an ion: K2Cr2O7, Cr2O7 2-, MnO4-, NH4+ or K4[Fe(CN)6]. Put a known ion in brackets when two elements are unknown. Pick an element to solve for it.

Cl+1

  1. Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals.
  2. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds.
  3. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + (−2) + x = 0.
  4. x = +1.
Rule steps

How to find it

  1. Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals.
  2. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds.
  3. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + (−2) + x = 0.
  4. x = +1.
Every atom

All the oxidation numbers in HOCl

  • H +11 atom, hydrogen
  • O −21 atom, oxygen
  • Cl +11 atom, sum rule
Questions

Cl in HOCl: quick answers

What is the oxidation number of Cl in HOCl?

Cl in HOCl (hypochlorous acid) is +1.

How do you find the oxidation number of Cl in HOCl?

Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: (+1) + (−2) + x = 0. x = +1.

What are the oxidation numbers of the other atoms in HOCl?

H +1, O −2. Together with Cl at +1 they add up to the charge of the compound, 0.

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