Question

Predict which of the two orders is preferred. Choose one: HOCl is the preferred arrangement. HClO is the preferred arrangement. The two arrangements are equivalent.

Answer 1

Answer:

HOCl is the preferred arrangement.

Explanation:

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl or HClO) is a weak acid that contains Hydrogen, Chlorine and oxygen. Generally both are accurate molecular formulars as hey show the exact number of atoms of elements present in the compound.

However the preferred formular is HOCl. The reason for this is because HOCl implies the molecular structure (that is, how the atoms are bonded to each other). The H is bonded to the O and the O in turn is being bonded to the Cl. HClO on the other hand says nothing about the molecular structure.