The chlorite ion is ClO2−. A chlorite (compound) is a compound that contains this group, with chlorine in oxidation state +3. Chlorites are also known as salts of chlorous acid. Oxidation states Chlorine can assume oxidation states of −1, +1, +3, +5, or +7 within the corresponding anions Cl−, ClO−, ClO2−, ClO3−, or ClO4−, known commonly and respectively as chloride, hypochlorite, chlorite, chlorate, and perchlorate. oxidation state −1 +1 +3… (More on Chlorite)