Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the hypochlorite polyatomic ion?

• A. ClO_4^−
• B. ClO_3^−
• C. ClO^−
• D. ClO_2^−

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the problem asks for the chemical formula of the hypochlorite ion, which is a specific polyatomic ion containing chlorine and oxygen with a negative charge.
2. Recall the common oxyanions of chlorine and their formulas: perchlorate (ClO_4^-), chlorate (ClO_3^-), chlorite (ClO_2^-), and hypochlorite (ClO^-).
3. Identify that the prefix 'hypo-' in oxyanions indicates the ion with the fewest oxygen atoms bonded to chlorine.
4. Match the given options to these known ions: ClO_4^- is perchlorate, ClO_3^- is chlorate, ClO_2^- is chlorite, and ClO^- is hypochlorite.
5. Conclude that the correct formula for the hypochlorite ion is ClO^- because it has one oxygen atom and a single negative charge.