Question

Identify the halogen that forms only one type of oxoacid.

• A. \(\text{F}\)
• B. \(\text{Cl}\)
• C. \(\text{Br}\)
• D. \(\text{I}\)

Hint:

Think about which halogen lacks vacant d-orbitals and is the most electronegative.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Oxoacids of halogens in higher oxidation states need the halogen to expand its octet using vacant \(d\)-orbitals.

Step 2: Fluorine
Fluorine is the most electronegative element and has no vacant \(d\)-orbitals. It shows only the \(-1\) and \(0\) states, apart from \(+1\) in \(\text{HOF}\).

Step 3: Other halogens
\(\text{Cl}\), \(\text{Br}\) and \(\text{I}\) have vacant \(d\)-orbitals and form several oxoacids such as \(\text{HOCl}\), \(\text{HClO}_{2}\), \(\text{HClO}_{3}\), \(\text{HClO}_{4}\).

Step 4: Conclusion
Only fluorine forms a single oxoacid, hypofluorous acid \(\text{HOF}\).

Final Answer:
Fluorine forms only one oxoacid, HOF. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{F}} \]