Write lewis structure that obeys the octet rule for hclo2 (h is bonded to o) and assign formal charges to each atom.

In order to write lewis structure of any molecule or ion we follow the simples steps

i)Identify the central atom

ii)Sum total the number of valence electrons on each atom in the molecule or ion.

iii)Arrange a pair of electrons in between two atoms to show a single bond between them

iv)Give rest electrons to the atoms to fulfill its octet (in case of hydrogen we go for two electrons only), if sufficient electrons are available

so the lewis structure of chlorous acid will be

Formal charge

Formal charge=[No.of valence electrons]- [No.of non bonded electrons]-[ (No of bonded electrons)/2]

a) on oxygen : -1

b) chlorine : +1

c) hydrogen : 0