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Which of the following sequences gives the correct decreasing order of acid strength for these oxoacids?

1. HOCl > HClO2 > HClO3 > HClO4
2. HClO4 > HOCl > HClO2 > HClO3
3. HClO4 > HClO3 > HClO2 > HOCl
4. HClO2 > HClO4 > HClO3 > HOCl

Correct answer: HClO4 > HClO3 > HClO2 > HOCl

Solution

The correct order reflects the increasing number of oxygen atoms attached to the central chlorine atom, which enhances the acid strength due to greater electronegativity and stability of the conjugate base formed after deprotonation. HClO4, having the most oxygen atoms, is the strongest acid, followed by HClO3, HClO2, and finally HOCl, which has the least.

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