Question

Determine there oxidation state of Cl in NaClO3.
I believe that the answer is 1+??, but am a little unsure.

Answer 1

The oxidation state of oxygen in compounds is -2
Sodium (Na) almost always has an oxydation state of +1

So O3 will have an oxydation state of -6
Na = +1
so chlorine needs to compensate so the total sum of the compound will be zero

Na = 1
Cl = X
O3 = -6
1+X-6=0

Solving this we see that X = 5

So the oxidation state of chlorine is 5

Also, this is a chemistry question. next time you should post it in the chemistry section.

Answer 2

Welcome to OpenStudy @rnd !

Answer 3

Thank you very much. I see I was way off.