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JEE Main Chemistry p Block Elements (Group 13 & 14) 2026 JEE Main 2026 (22 January Shift 2)

JEE Main Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Question

Given below are two statements : Statement I : Elements ' X ' and ' Y ' are the most and least electronegative elements, respectively among N , As , Sb and P. The nature of the oxides X _ 2 O _ 3 and Y _ 2 O _ 3 is acidic and amphoteric, respectively. Statement II : BCl _ 3 is covalent in nature and gets hydrolysed in water. It produces [ B ( OH )_ 4 ]^ - and [ B ( H _ 2 O )_ 6 ]^ 3+ in aqueous medium. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Options

  1. A. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
  2. B. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  3. C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  4. D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer

C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Step-by-step solution

For Statement I: Among N, As, Sb, P, the electronegativity order is N > P > As > Sb. Thus X = N (most electronegative) and Y = Sb (least electronegative). N_2O_3 is acidic (forms HNO₂ with water) and Sb_2O_3 is amphoteric (reacts with both acids and bases). Statement I is true. For Statement II: While BCl_3 is covalent and hydrolyzes in water to form B(OH)_3, the hydrolysis products are incorrect. In neutral aqueous medium, B(OH)_3 is formed. The tetrahedral [B(OH)_4]^- forms only in basic conditions, and boron does not form [B(H_2O)_6]^ 3+ (boron is not a typical transition metal). Statement II is false.

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