What is the oxidation number of the chlorine in the compound, Ba(ClO₂)₂?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the compound Ba(ClO)₂, the oxidation number of oxygen is -2. Since there are two oxygens, their total contribution is -4. Barium (Ba) typically has an oxidation state of +2. To balance the compound, the chlorine must have an oxidation state that results in a neutral compound. Therefore, if Ba is +2 and O₂ is -4 (2 * -2), chlorine must be +3 to balance the equation to zero.

What Is the Oxidation Number of the Chlorine in the Compound