Redox Cl2 problem, Oxidation States...

Question

for: Cl2(g) --> HCl0 Cl-

i know the reduction is

2e- Cl2 --> 2Cl-

but I can't figure out the oxidation.

Cl2 --> HCl0? Where do the electrons go? What is the oxidation state of HClO? (I thought H (-1) Cl (-1) O( 2) but that doesn't seem to fit with the (0) oxidation state of Cl2. )

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Hydrogen goes to H+

Thus H+Cl-, no O.

If you are talking about Hydrochlorous Acid, it is:

Cl2 + H20  =  HCl + HClO

AS this reaction takes place in an aqeous media, HClO dissociates into ClO- and H+.

Hopes this makes sense.