The sum of the oxidation states of the individual atoms should be equal to the the net charge of the compound /ion. Molecular formula of iron(III) hypochlorite is Fe(ClO)₃ This is made of a cation and anion. Cation is Fe³⁺ and anion is hypochlorite ion - ClO⁻ the net charge of the ion is -1 oxidation state of Cl - x and oxidation state of O - -2 x + (-2) = -1 x - 2 = -1 x = -1 + 2 x = +1 Therefore oxidation state of Cl is +1
