JEE Chemistry 2024 Question with Solution

Given: The options are Bromine, Iodine, Chlorine, and Fluorine.

Find: The element that does not show variable oxidation state.

Halogens generally show different oxidation states, but Fluorine is an exception.

• Fluorine is the most electronegative element.
• Therefore, it shows only oxidation state $-1$.
• It does not show positive oxidation states.
• Chlorine, Bromine, and Iodine can show multiple oxidation states such as $-1, +1, +3, +5, +7$.

Therefore, the element not showing variable oxidation state is Fluorine. The correct option is D.

Note: The solution incorrectly labels the option as B, but the worked conclusion identifies Fluorine, which corresponds to option D in the given options.

Given: A halogen is to be identified which does not show variable oxidation state.

Find: The correct option.

Remember the standard exception: Fluorine is the most electronegative element, so it practically always has oxidation state $-1$ only.

Thus, among the given halogens, Fluorine alone does not show variable oxidation states. The correct option is D.