Question

Write formulas for the following oxyacids: a. perbromic acid b. chlorous acid c. phosphoric acid d. hypochlorous acid

Short answer

a. HBrO4 b. HClO2 c. H3PO4 d. HClO

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Naming Conventions

Oxyacids are acids that contain hydrogen, oxygen, and another element (usually non-metal). The naming convention depends on the central atom and the number of oxygen atoms.

Write the Formula for Perbromic Acid

Perbromic acid contains bromine in its highest oxidation state (+7). The formula is derived from the prefix 'per-' and the suffix '-ic,' indicating a high number of oxygen atoms. The formula is HBrO4.

Write the Formula for Chlorous Acid

Chlorous acid contains chlorine in the +3 oxidation state. The prefix 'chlor-' and suffix '-ous' indicate a moderate number of oxygen atoms. The formula is HClO2.

Write the Formula for Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid is a common oxyacid of phosphorus in the +5 oxidation state. The formula is H3PO4.

Write the Formula for Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid has chlorine in its lowest positive oxidation state (+1). The prefix 'hypo-' and suffix '-ous' indicate a low number of oxygen atoms. The formula is HClO.

Key concepts

chemical nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is the system used to name chemical compounds. It ensures that each compound has a unique and standardized name. For oxyacids, the name is based on both the central atom and the number of oxygen atoms it contains. This helps in identifying the different types of acids easily.

A systematic approach helps us know whether the acid has many or few oxygen atoms. Common prefixes like 'per-' and 'hypo-' and suffixes like '-ic' and '-ous' provide vital clues. This naming helps students to predict the formula once they learn these conventions.

oxidation states

Oxidation states refer to the charge of an atom within a molecule, indicating the number of electrons lost or gained. In oxyacids, this is important because the oxidation state of the central atom helps determine the formula. For example, in perbromic acid, bromine has an oxidation state of +7, indicating it is in its highest state.

Understanding oxidation states helps in identifying the correct formula for different oxyacids. It facilitates writing formulas for acids where the central atom can have multiple oxidation states. Learning these can make complex compounds easier to understand.

acid formulas

Acid formulas for oxyacids are derived from their names, oxidation states, and the number of hydrogen and oxygen atoms present. The process includes:

• Identifying the oxidation state of the central atom.
• Applying the correct prefixes and suffixes.
• Knowing typical structures of common oxyacids like HClO, HClO2, HClO3, and HClO4.

This structured approach simplifies the process of writing chemical formulas. For example, perbromic acid (HBrO4) and hypochlorous acid (HClO) have distinct formulas based on these rules.

oxygen content

The oxygen content in an oxyacid significantly influences its name and chemical behavior. Different numbers of oxygen atoms lead to prefixes and suffixes: 'per-' for the most oxygen, 'hypo-' for the least. Suffixes like '-ic' and '-ous' indicate more or fewer oxygen atoms, respectively.

Recognizing these patterns is crucial. For example, even though chlorous acid (HClO2) and chloric acid (HClO3) both contain chlorine, they differ in the amount of oxygen, which directly impacts their properties and reactions.