Rank the following compounds in order of increasing acid strength (1 = weakest, 4 = strongest)

HClO

HClO3

HClO2

HClO4

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HClO4 -4 , HClO3-3 , HClO2-2, HClO-1

To determine the acid strength of the compounds, we can consider the number of oxygen atoms attached to the central atom. The greater the number of oxygen atoms, the stronger the acid.

Ranking the compounds in order of increasing acid strength:

1. HClO: This compound, known as hypochlorous acid, contains a single oxygen atom. It is the weakest acid among the given compounds.

2. HClO2: This compound, known as chlorous acid, contains two oxygen atoms. It is stronger than HClO but weaker than the next compounds.

3. HClO3: This compound, known as chloric acid, contains three oxygen atoms. It is stronger than both HClO and HClO2 but weaker than the next compound.

4. HClO4: This compound, known as perchloric acid, contains four oxygen atoms. It is the strongest acid among the given compounds.

So, the ranking in increasing acid strength would be: HClO < HClO2 < HClO3 < HClO4.

To rank the compounds in order of increasing acid strength, we need to compare their ability to donate protons (H+). Generally, the strength of an acid depends on its ability to dissociate and release H+ ions in solution.

To analyze the acid strength of the given compounds, we can look at the oxidation state of the central atom (the atom bonded to oxygen). In general, the acidity increases with an increase in the oxidation state of the central atom.

Let's examine each compound individually:

1. HClO: This is hypochlorous acid. The oxidation state of chlorine in this compound is +1. Since it has the lowest oxidation state, it is the weakest acid among the given compounds.

2. HClO2: This is chlorous acid. Here, the oxidation state of chlorine is +3. Compared to HClO, the higher oxidation state of chlorine makes HClO2 a stronger acid.

3. HClO3: This is chloric acid. In this compound, the oxidation state of chlorine is +5. The higher oxidation state of chlorine in HClO3 makes it an even stronger acid than HClO2.

4. HClO4: This is perchloric acid. The oxidation state of chlorine in this compound is +7, which is the highest oxidation state among the given compounds. Hence, HClO4 is the strongest acid among the listed compounds.

So, the ranking in order of increasing acid strength is as follows:
1. HClO
2. HClO2
3. HClO3
4. HClO4