Which one is a stronger acid- HOCl or HOI?

[zorro]

I know that HI is a stronger acid that HCl because of the weak H-I bond which can break easily in aqueous solution. But I can't understand why HOCl is a stronger acid that HOI (as per my book)?

 

[pzona]

Check their structures (hint: H isn't bonded directly to the halogen in either case). How do you think Cl will affect the H-O bond in comparison with I? Think about electronegativities here...

 

[zorro]

I got it. Chlorine being more electronegative atom withdraws oxygen towards itself, facilitating the release of H+
Thanks.

 

[Borek]

withdraws oxygen

Attracts electrons.