JEE MainChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Identify the correct increasing order of acidic character for the following oxides of period 3 elements.
Options
- ACl ₂ O ₇ < SO ₃ < P ₄ O ₁₀ < Al ₂ O ₃
- BP ₄ O ₁₀ < SO ₃ < Cl ₂ O ₇ < Al ₂ O ₃
- CAl ₂ O ₃ < Cl ₂ O ₇ < SO ₃ < P ₄ O ₁₀
- DAl ₂ O ₃ < P ₄ O ₁₀ < SO ₃ < Cl ₂ O ₇
Correct answer
D. Al ₂ O ₃ < P ₄ O ₁₀ < SO ₃ < Cl ₂ O ₇
Step-by-step solution
As we move from left to right across a period in the periodic table, the non-metallic character of elements increases, which in turn increases the acidic character of their oxides. Al ₂ O ₃ is an amphoteric oxide, making it the least acidic among the given choices. P ₄ O ₁₀ , SO ₃ , and Cl ₂ O ₇ are acidic oxides. The oxidation states of the central atoms are +5 for P, +6 for S, and +7 for Cl. A higher oxidation state and higher electronegativity of the central atom result in a stronger acidic character. Thus, the