Moderate

What is oxidation state of chlorine in Ca(CIO3)2

Correct answer: D. +5

  • A. -1
  • B. 1
  • C. +3
  • D. +5

Explanation

Oxidation state of calcium (Ca): Calcium is a group 2 element and typically loses two electrons to form a +2 cation. Therefore, its oxidation state in Ca(ClO3)2 is +2.Overall charge of the compound: Ca(ClO3)2 is a neutral compound, meaning the sum of the oxidation states of all its atoms must be zero.Determine the unknown oxidation state of chlorine (Cl):Let x be the oxidation state of chlorine.We have 2 calcium atoms (+2 each) and 3 oxygen atoms (-2 each). Therefore:(+2)(2) + (x)(3) + (-2)(3) = 0Simplifying the equation: 4 + 3x - 6 = 0Solving for x: 3x = 2x = 2/3 (rounded to the nearest integer, oxidation states are usually integers)The most common oxidation state of oxygen is -2: However, in some compounds, particularly with highly electronegative elements like chlorine, oxygen can have an oxidation state of +1. In this case, if we assume all three oxygen atoms have an oxidation state of -2, we get:(+2)(2) + (x)(3) + (-2)(-3) = 0Simplifying: 4 + 3x + 6 = 0Solving for x: 3x = -10x = -10/3 (not an integer value and outside the typical range for oxidation states)Therefore, considering the most common oxidation state of oxygen and the need for the overall charge to be neutral, the oxidation state of chlorine in Ca(ClO3)2 must be +5.

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