Q9 / 75 · JEE Main 2026 (22 January Shift 2) · Chemistry
Given below are two statements :
Statement I: Elements ' $X$ ' and ' $Y$ ' are the most and least electronegative elements, respectively among $\mathrm{N}, \mathrm{As}, \mathrm{Sb}$ and P. The nature of the oxides $\mathrm{X}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}$ and $\mathrm{Y}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}$ is acidic and amphoteric, respectively.
Statement II : $\quad \mathrm{BCl}_{3}$ is covalent in nature and gets hydrolysed in water. It produces $\left[\mathrm{B}(\mathrm{OH})_{4}\right]^{-}$ and $\left[\mathrm{B}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{6}\right]^{3+}$ in aqueous medium.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Statement I: Elements ' $X$ ' and ' $Y$ ' are the most and least electronegative elements, respectively among $\mathrm{N}, \mathrm{As}, \mathrm{Sb}$ and P. The nature of the oxides $\mathrm{X}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}$ and $\mathrm{Y}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}$ is acidic and amphoteric, respectively.
Statement II : $\quad \mathrm{BCl}_{3}$ is covalent in nature and gets hydrolysed in water. It produces $\left[\mathrm{B}(\mathrm{OH})_{4}\right]^{-}$ and $\left[\mathrm{B}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{6}\right]^{3+}$ in aqueous medium.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
- ABoth Statement I and Statement II are false
- BBoth Statement I and Statement II are true
- Correct answerCStatement I is true but Statement II is false
- DStatement I is false but Statement II is true
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.
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.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.