The electronegativity of a group 13 element 'E' is same as that of Ge (on Pauling scale and upto one decimal point). The CORRECT statements about E³⁺ are A. It can act as a reducing agent. B. It can act as an oxidizing agent. C. E³⁺ is more stable than E^+ . D. The standard electrode potential value for E³⁺/E is positive. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

The electronegativity of Ge on the Pauling scale is 1.8 . In Group 13, the electronegativity values are B ( 2.0 ), Al ( 1.5 ), Ga ( 1.6 ), In ( 1.7 ), and Tl ( 1.8 ). Thus, the element 'E' is Thallium (Tl). Due to the inert pair effect, the +1 oxidation state is much more stable than the +3 oxidation state for the heavier elements of Group 13, especially Thallium. Therefore, Tl^+ is more stable than Tl³⁺ . This makes statement C incorrect. Since Tl³⁺ is relatively unstable, it readily accepts two electrons to form