Rules to Remember
* Oxygen's oxidation number is usually -2, except in peroxides (like H₂O₂) where it's -1.
* Hydrogen's oxidation number is usually +1, except in metal hydrides (like NaH) where it's -1.
* The sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule is zero.
* The sum of oxidation numbers in a polyatomic ion equals the charge of the ion.
Applying the Rules to HClO
1. Hydrogen: The oxidation number of hydrogen is +1.
2. Oxygen: The oxidation number of oxygen is -2.
3. Chlorine: Let the oxidation number of chlorine be 'x'.
Now, using the rule that the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule is zero, we have:
+1 (H) + x (Cl) - 2 (O) = 0
Solving for x:
x - 1 = 0
x = +1
Therefore, the oxidation number of chlorine (Cl) in HClO is +1.
