Q129 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (22 April Shift 1) · Chemistry
Which among the following elements does NOT exhibit $-2$ oxidation state?
- AO
- BSe
- CTe
- Correct answerDPo
Solution
The given elements belong to Group 16 of the periodic table.
The tendency to exhibit a $-2$ oxidation state decreases down the group due to an increase in atomic size, a decrease in electronegativity, and an increase in metallic character.
Oxygen, Selenium, and Tellurium are non-metals/metalloids and readily exhibit a $-2$ oxidation state.
Polonium (Po) is a radioactive metal with low electronegativity. Therefore, it hardly exhibits a $-2$ oxidation state. Its common oxidation states are $+2$ and $+4$.
Answer: Po
The tendency to exhibit a $-2$ oxidation state decreases down the group due to an increase in atomic size, a decrease in electronegativity, and an increase in metallic character.
Oxygen, Selenium, and Tellurium are non-metals/metalloids and readily exhibit a $-2$ oxidation state.
Polonium (Po) is a radioactive metal with low electronegativity. Therefore, it hardly exhibits a $-2$ oxidation state. Its common oxidation states are $+2$ and $+4$.
Answer: Po
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.