2026 The p-Block Elements (Group 14 and 16)Oxidation states and catenation trends Medium Question 17 of 1,760 in Chemistry

Identify the INCORRECT statement from the following:

A Carbon has the ability to form p$\pi$-p$\pi$ multiple bond with itself.
B $ECl_3$ (E = B and Al) is a monomer when E = B and a dimer when E = Al.
C Oxygen exhibits only $-2$ oxidation state.
D The order of catenation property of Group 14 elements is C >> Si > Ge $\approx$ Sn.

The answer is C.

Solution

Oxygen shows variable oxidation states, not only $-2$: $H_2O$: $O^{2-}$, $-2$ $H_2O_2$: $O_2^{2-}$, $-1$ $KO_2$: $O_2^{-}$, $-\frac{1}{2}$ $O_2$: 0 $OF_2$: $+2$ $O_2F_2$: $+1$ So the statement 'Oxygen exhibits only $-2$ oxidation state' is incorrect.

Chemistry in past papers

1,760 questions from this chapter have appeared across 27 exam years.