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Question

Which one of the following is the chemical formula of Hypobromous acid?

The correct answer is

HOBr

Understanding the Chemical Formula of Hypobromous Acid

The question asks for the chemical formula of Hypobromous acid. Hypobromous acid is an unstable, weak acid. It is one of the oxyacids of bromine.

Oxyacids of Bromine

Bromine forms several oxyacids, where bromine is bonded to one or more oxygen atoms, and at least one O-H group is present. The oxidation state of bromine varies in these acids, which leads to different names and formulas. Let's look at the common oxyacids of bromine:

Name Chemical Formula Oxidation State of Bromine
Hypobromous acid \( \text{HOBr} \) or \( \text{HBrO} \) +1
Bromous acid \( \text{HBrO}_2 \) +3
Bromic acid \( \text{HBrO}_3 \) +5
Perbromic acid \( \text{HBrO}_4 \) +7

Analyzing the Given Options

Let's examine each option provided in the question:

  • \( \text{HBrO}_4 \): This formula corresponds to Perbromic acid, where bromine has an oxidation state of +7.
  • \( \text{HOBr} \): This formula corresponds to Hypobromous acid, where bromine has an oxidation state of +1. This can also be written as \( \text{HBrO} \).
  • \( \text{HBr} \): This formula represents Hydrobromic acid, which is a hydrohalic acid, not an oxyacid. Bromine has an oxidation state of -1 here.
  • \( \text{HBrO}_3 \): This formula corresponds to Bromic acid, where bromine has an oxidation state of +5.

Identifying the Correct Formula

Based on the list of bromine oxyacids, the chemical formula for Hypobromous acid is \( \text{HOBr} \) (or \( \text{HBrO} \)). Comparing this with the given options, the formula \( \text{HOBr} \) matches one of the options.

Therefore, the correct chemical formula of Hypobromous acid is \( \text{HOBr} \).

Revision Table: Bromine Acid Formulas

Acid Type Formula Oxidation State of Br
Hypobromous acid \( \text{HOBr} \) +1
Bromic acid \( \text{HBrO}_3 \) +5
Perbromic acid \( \text{HBrO}_4 \) +7
Hydrobromic acid \( \text{HBr} \) -1

Additional Information on Hypobromous Acid (HOBr)

Hypobromous acid (\( \text{HOBr} \)) is a weak acid formed when bromine dissolves in water. The reaction is:

\( \text{Br}_2 \text{(l)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \rightleftharpoons \text{HOBr(aq)} + \text{HBr(aq)} \)

Hypobromous acid acts as an oxidizing agent and is used as a bleach and disinfectant. It is similar to Hypochlorous acid (\( \text{HOCl} \)) in its properties and structure.

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