Question:

Identify weakest acid from following.

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Acid strength rises with the number of oxygen atoms on chlorine: HClO is weakest.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • Hypochlorous acid
  • Chlorous acid
  • Chloric acid
  • Perchloric acid
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
In oxoacids of the same element, more oxygen atoms pull electron density away from the O-H bond and stabilise the anion. So acidity rises with oxidation state of chlorine.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation
The acids are \(\text{HOCl}\) (+1), \(\text{HClO}_2\) (+3), \(\text{HClO}_3\) (+5) and \(\text{HClO}_4\) (+7).
Order of acidity: \(\text{HOCl} < \text{HClO}_2 < \text{HClO}_3 < \text{HClO}_4\).
Hypochlorous acid, with only one oxygen, is the weakest.

Final Answer:
Hypochlorous acid is the weakest, option (A). \[ \boxed{\text{HOCl}} \]
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