JEE MainChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Given below are four statements regarding the properties and bonding of oxygen: (A) The oxidation state of oxygen in OF₂ is +2 and in O₂F₂ it is +1 . (B) The maximum covalency of oxygen is four due to the absence of d-orbitals. (C) The anomalous behaviour of oxygen is primarily due to its large atomic size and low electronegativity. (D) Oxygen can expand its octet to form compounds like OF₆ under extreme conditions.
Options
- A(A) only
- B(A) and (B) only
- C(A), (B) and (C) only
- D(A), (B) and (D) only
Correct answer
B. (A) and (B) only
Step-by-step solution
Statement (A) is correct. Fluorine is more electronegative than oxygen, so oxygen exhibits a +2 oxidation state in OF₂ and a +1 oxidation state in O₂F₂ . Statement (B) is correct. Oxygen belongs to the second period and has only 2s and 2p orbitals in its valence shell. Due to the absence of d-orbitals, its maximum covalency is restricted to four. Statement (C) is incorrect. The anomalous behaviour of oxygen compared to other group 16 elements is due to its small atomic size and high electronegativity, not large siz