Identify the weakest and strongest acids in the group of three below. The weakest acid is listed first in the responses.
HClO, HClO₂, HBrO

Question

Identify the weakest and strongest acids in the group of three below. The weakest acid is listed first in the responses. HClO, HClO₂, HBrO

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The strength of the acid is determined by its ability to donate a proton (H+ ion). Here, HBrO is the strongest acid because the BrO- ion has a larger size than ClO- ion and thus the bond strength between H and Br is weaker than H and Cl. HClO₂ is the second strongest acid because of the presence of a sulfonic acid group (-SO3H) which makes it more acidic than HClO. Therefore, HClO is the weakest acid among the three. Thus, option D is the correct choice.

Identify the Weakest and Strongest Acids in the Group of Three