MCQMediumJEE 2026Group 15 Elements

JEE Chemistry 2026 Question with Solution

Given below are two statements:

Statement I: Elements XX and YY are the most and least electronegative elements, respectively, among NN, AsAs, SbSb and PP. The nature of the oxides X2O3X_2O_3 and Y2O3Y_2O_3 is acidic and amphoteric, respectively.

Statement II: BCl3BCl_3 is covalent in nature and gets hydrolysed in water. It produces [B(OH)4][B(OH)_4]^- and [B(H2O)6]3+[B(H_2O)_6]^{3+} in aqueous medium.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • A

    Statement I is true but Statement II is false

  • B

    Both Statement I and Statement II are true

  • C

    Statement I is false but Statement II is true

  • D

    Both Statement I and Statement II are false

Answer

Correct answer:A

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Two statements about electronegativity and hydrolysis behavior of pp-block compounds are to be checked.

Find: Which option correctly identifies the truth values of Statement I and Statement II.

Step 1: Analyze Statement I. Among NN, PP, AsAs and SbSb, the electronegativity order is

Electronegativity order: N>P>As>Sb\text{Electronegativity order: } N > P > As > Sb

So, X=NX = N and Y=SbY = Sb.

Now, N2O3N_2O_3 is an acidic oxide, while Sb2O3Sb_2O_3 is amphoteric in nature. Therefore, Statement I is true.

Step 2: Analyze Statement II. BCl3BCl_3 is covalent in nature and undergoes hydrolysis in water. However, it does not produce both [B(OH)4][B(OH)_4]^- and [B(H2O)6]3+[B(H_2O)_6]^{3+}.

The species [B(H2O)6]3+[B(H_2O)_6]^{3+} is characteristic of Al3+Al^{3+}, not boron. Therefore, Statement II is false.

Conclude: Statement I is true but Statement II is false. Hence, the correct option is A.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the least electronegative element among NN, PP, AsAs and SbSb is AsAs. This is wrong because electronegativity decreases down the group, so SbSb is the least electronegative. First arrange the elements correctly before identifying XX and YY.

  • Treating all oxides of group 1515 elements as acidic. This is incorrect because metallic character increases down the group, and heavier oxides such as Sb2O3Sb_2O_3 show amphoteric behavior. Check the trend from non-metallic to metallic character.

  • Accepting [B(H2O)6]3+[B(H_2O)_6]^{3+} as a boron species after hydrolysis of BCl3BCl_3. This is wrong because boron does not form that hexaaqua cation; it is associated with Al3+Al^{3+}. Distinguish between boron chemistry and aluminium chemistry.

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