JEE Chemistry 2023 Question with Solution

Given: Two statements are to be checked for correctness.

Find: Which option correctly describes Statement I and Statement II.

Statement I: $\mathrm{SbCl_5}$ is more covalent than $\mathrm{SbCl_3}$.

According to Fajan's rules, a higher oxidation state of the central atom causes greater polarization of the anion and hence greater covalent character. Antimony is in the $+5$ oxidation state in $\mathrm{SbCl_5}$ and in the $+3$ oxidation state in $\mathrm{SbCl_3}$. Therefore, $\mathrm{SbCl_5}$ is more covalent than $\mathrm{SbCl_3}$.

Statement II: The higher oxides of halogens tend to be more stable than the lower ones.

This is also correct. Higher oxides of halogens are generally more stable because of greater covalent character and stronger bonding. For example, $\mathrm{Cl_2O_7}$ is more stable than $\mathrm{Cl_2O}$.

Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are correct. The correct option is A.

Given: Compare the truth of two inorganic chemistry statements.

Find: The most appropriate option.

1. For Statement I, use Fajan's rules.
2. A cation with higher positive charge has higher polarizing power.
3. Hence, antimony in $\mathrm{SbCl_5}$ polarizes chloride electron cloud more strongly than in $\mathrm{SbCl_3}$.
4. So, Statement I is correct.
5. For Statement II, halogens in higher oxidation states form higher oxides with stronger covalent bonding.
6. Thus, these higher oxides are generally more stable than the lower oxides.
7. Hence, Statement II is correct.

So, both statements are correct, and the answer is A.