JEE Advanced Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

From the given reactions, we can identify the compounds X , Y , and Z as follows: Reaction 1: MnO _2 + 4 HCl (conc.) MnCl _2 + Cl _2 + 2 H _2 O The greenish-yellow gas X is Cl _2. Reaction 2: NH _3 + 3 Cl _2 (excess) NCl _3 + 3 HCl Compound Y is NCl _3. Reaction 3: Cl _2 + 3 F _2 (excess) 573 K 2 ClF _3 Compound Z is ClF _3. Evaluating the given statements: (A) Cl _2 is widely used as a disinfectant for sterilizing drinking water. This statement is correct. (B) In NCl _3, the nitrogen atom is sp^3 hybridized and possesses one lone pair of electrons. This gives it a trigonal pyramidal structure, not a planar one. This statement is incorrect. (C) ClF _3 is used in the enrichment of ^ 235 U because it reacts with uranium to produce the volatile compound UF _6 ( U + 3 ClF _3 UF _6 + 3 ClF ). This statement is correct. (D) NCl _3 is a weaker Lewis base than NH _3. The highly electronegative chlorine atoms withdraw electron density from the nitrogen atom via the -I effect, making the lone pair less available for donation compared to ammonia. This statement is incorrect. Answer: X is used for sterilizing drinking water.; Z is used in the enrichment of ^ 235 U .