What is the oxidation number of chlorine in hclo3?explain
We know that hydrogen usually shows an oxidation state of +1, while oxygen generally shows an oxidation state of -2 (expect in peroxides and superoxides). Let us suppose that the oxidation state of Cl in HClO3 is a. Since HClO3 is a molecule, therefore the overall charge on it would be zero. Hence
a + (+1) + 3(-2) = 0
This gives a = 5
Hence, the oxidation state of Cl in HClO3 is +5.