NEETChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Identify the incorrect statement regarding the elements of Group 16.
Options
- AThe O - O single bond is stronger than the S - S single bond.
- BOxygen shows a much lower tendency for catenation than sulphur.
- CSulphur can form d - p multiple bonds whereas oxygen cannot.
- DOxygen cannot expand its covalency beyond four due to the absence of d-orbitals.
Correct answer
A. The O - O single bond is stronger than the S - S single bond.
Step-by-step solution
The O - O single bond is weaker than the S - S single bond because of high interelectronic repulsion between the lone pairs of electrons on the small oxygen atoms. Thus, the statement claiming it is stronger is incorrect. Due to the weaker O - O single bond, oxygen has a much lower tendency for catenation compared to sulphur. Sulphur has vacant d-orbitals and can form d - p multiple bonds, while oxygen is restricted to p - p bonding due to the absence of d-orbitals. The absence of d-orbitals in the valence shell of