Q24 / 150 · MHT CET 2025 (26 Apr Shift 2) · Chemistry

Which of the following is correct decreasing order of bond length regarding $\mathrm{N}_2, \mathrm{O}_2$ and $\mathrm{Cl}_2$ ?

  • Correct answer
    A
    $\mathrm{Cl}_2>\mathrm{O}_2>\mathrm{N}_2$
  • B
    $\mathrm{Cl}_2>\mathrm{N}_2>\mathrm{O}_2$
  • C
    $\mathrm{O}_2>\mathrm{N}_2>\mathrm{Cl}_2$
  • D
    $\mathrm{N}_2>\mathrm{O}_2>\mathrm{Cl}_2$

Solution

Bond lengths decrease with increasing bond multiplicity and increase with larger atomic radii. The bond order and atomic size determine the bond length: $\mathrm{N}_2$ has a triple bond, $\mathrm{O}_2$ a double bond, and $\mathrm{Cl}_2$ a single bond.

$\mathrm{N}_2$: $\mathrm{N} \equiv \mathrm{N}$, bond length $\approx$ 109.8 pm
$\mathrm{O}_2$: $\mathrm{O} = \mathrm{O}$, bond length $\approx$ 121 pm
$\mathrm{Cl}_2$: $\mathrm{Cl} - \mathrm{Cl}$, bond length $\approx$ 199 pm

Since higher bond order corresponds to shorter bonds, and chlorine has the largest atomic radius, the order is $\mathrm{Cl}_2 > \mathrm{O}_2 > \mathrm{N}_2$.

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

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