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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: scientific on March 23, 2017, 04:02:00 PM

Title: the stronger Bronsted acid--HClO3 and HClO2
Post by: scientific on March 23, 2017, 04:02:00 PM

Bit confused on difference between Bronsted acid for this question.


Of this list, which is the strongest BRONSTED acid in aqueous solution?
a. HClO₃
b. HClO₂
c. HOCl
d. HOBr
e. HOI

I understand why C, D, E are wrong, but not between a or b. I know that HClO₃ is one of six strong acids, and I know that bronsted acid are specifically defined as giving protons. So wouldn't HClO₃ still give its H away more easily than HClO₂?

Title: Re: the stronger Bronsted acid--HClO3 and HClO2
Post by: Borek on March 23, 2017, 05:35:21 PM

There is a rule of thumb that allows such predictions, and it is related to the number of oxygen atoms (assuming all other things are identical).

The other rules of thumb that this questions expects you to know is used to compare strengths of acids based on the electronegativity of the central atom.