NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Read the following statements regarding the structure and properties of tribromooctaoxide ( Br ₃ O ₈ ). Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Options
- AThe average oxidation state of bromine in the molecule is +16/3 .
- BThe terminal bromine atoms exhibit an oxidation state of +6 while the central bromine atom exhibits +4 .
- CThe structure features two Br-O-Br bridging linkages connecting the bromine atoms.
- DThe molecule consists of a linear chain of three bromine atoms connected by direct Br-Br bonds.
Correct answer
C. The structure features two Br-O-Br bridging linkages connecting the bromine atoms.
Step-by-step solution
Tribromooctaoxide ( Br ₃ O ₈ ) is a molecule where three bromine atoms are linked together by direct Br-Br single bonds, forming a linear chain. It does not contain any oxygen bridges (Br-O-Br). The terminal bromine atoms are each double-bonded to three oxygen atoms, giving them an individual oxidation state of +6 . The central bromine atom is double-bonded to two oxygen atoms, giving it an individual oxidation state of +4 . The average oxidation state of bromine in the molecule is calculated as 6 + 4 + 6 3 = +16/3