MCAT General Chemistry Question 138: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 138

3. Which of the following represents chloric acid?

A. HClO₃
B. ClO₃^?
C. HClO₂
D. HClO

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Answering this question is simply a matter of knowing nomenclature. Acids ending in -ic are derivatives of anions ending in -ate, while acids ending in -ous are derivatives of anions ending in -ite. ClO₃^-, choice (B), is chlorate because it has more oxygen than the other commonly occurring ion, ClO₂^-, which is named chlorite. Therefore, HClO₃ is chloric acid. HClO₂, choice (C), represents chlorous acid. HClO, choice (D), represents hypochlorous acid.

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