Question #860fd

1 Answer
David Drayer
Aug 12, 2017

Chlorine has multiple oxidation numbers. It has seven valance electrons.

Explanation:

With seven valance electrons Chlorine needs one more electron to achieve a stable electron configuration The most common oxidation number for Chlorine is -1 This means that the electron density of another element has a greater probability of being near the Chlorine than the other atom.
Cl = -1

However Chlorine could bond with an element with a higher electron negativity than Chlorine and the electron density due to bonding could result in the electron (s) having a greater probability of being near the other element such as Oxygen

#ClO^-1# HypoChlorite

Cl = +1

#ClO_2^-1# Chlorite

Cl = +3

# ClO_3^-1# Chlorate

Cl= +5

# ClO_4^-1# HyperChlorate

Cl = +7

So Chlorine always has 7 valance electrons. The sharing of the these valance electrons can result in multiple oxidation numbers

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