JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pt179
The acidic strength of the hypohalous acids follows the order
AHOI>HOBr>HOCl
BHOBr>HOCl>HOI
CHOCl>HOBr>HOI
DHOCl>HOI>HOBr
Answer: C
In H−O−X a more electronegative halogen pulls electron density from the O-H bond, so the proton is released more easily and the conjugate base is stabilised. Electronegativity falls Cl > Br > I, hence acidity falls HOCl>HOBr>HOI.