Q4 / 90 · JEE Main 2024 (09 Apr Shift 1) · Chemistry

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : Both rhombic and monoclinic sulphur exist as \(\mathrm{S}_8\) while oxygen exists as \(\mathrm{O}_2\). Reason (R) : Oxygen forms \(\mathrm{p} \pi-\mathrm{p} \pi\) multiple bonds with itself and other elements having small size and high electronegativity like \(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{N}\), which is not possible for sulphur. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

  • Correct answer
    A
    (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
  • B
    (A) is not correct but (R) is correct
  • C
    Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
  • D
    Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

Solution

Oxygen can form $2 \mathrm{p} \pi-2 \mathrm{p} \pi$ multiple bond with itself due to its small size while sulphur cannot form multiple bond with itself as $3 \mathrm{p} \pi-3 \mathrm{p} \pi$ bond will be unstable due to large size of sulphur, but sulphur can form multiple bond with small size atom like $\mathrm{C}$ and $\mathrm{N}$. $\begin{aligned} & \text { eg. } \mathrm{S}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{S} \\ & \mathrm{S}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{N}^{-} \leftrightarrow \mathrm{S}^{\ominus}-\mathrm{C} \equiv \mathrm{N} \end{aligned}$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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