Question
Select the incorrect statement. A. Cl2O6 is diamagnetic in solid state B. ClO3 is paramagnetic ans exists in liquid state C. Cl2O6 is the anhydride of HClO3 D. ClO3 forms dimer dueto unpaired electron
Select the incorrect statement. A. Cl2O6 is diamagnetic in solid state B. ClO3 is paramagnetic ans exists in liquid state C. Cl2O6 is the anhydride of HClO3 D. ClO3 forms dimer dueto unpaired electron
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. ClO₃ forms dimer due to unpaired electron (Incorrect statement)
Explanation
To determine the incorrect statement, let’s analyze each one carefully in the context of inorganic chemistry and molecular structure:
A. Cl₂O₆ is diamagnetic in solid state
✅ Correct
Dichlorine hexoxide (Cl₂O₆) is the anhydride of chloric acid (HClO₃) and exists as a molecular compound. In the solid state, Cl₂O₆ adopts a centrosymmetric structure where both chlorine atoms are in the +5 oxidation state. All electrons are paired in this configuration, making it diamagnetic.
B. ClO₃ is paramagnetic and exists in liquid state
✅ Correct
The chlorine trioxide radical (ClO₃) is a neutral species, not to be confused with the chlorate ion (ClO₃⁻). It has an odd number of electrons, resulting in one unpaired electron, making it paramagnetic. ClO₃ is a volatile liquid at room temperature, although it is unstable and explosive. This matches the given description.
C. Cl₂O₆ is the anhydride of HClO₃
✅ Correct
Cl₂O₆ is indeed the acid anhydride of chloric acid (HClO₃). When hydrolyzed in water, Cl₂O₆ yields two moles of HClO₃:
Cl₂O₆ + H₂O → 2 HClO₃
D. ClO₃ forms dimer due to unpaired electron
❌ Incorrect
While it’s true that ClO₃ has an unpaired electron and is paramagnetic, it does not form dimers. Unlike some radicals (e.g., NO₂ forming N₂O₄), ClO₃ does not readily dimerize due to unfavorable orbital overlap and steric/electronic factors. It exists as a monomer in the liquid phase. The assumption that all radicals form dimers is incorrect and oversimplified.
Conclusion:
The incorrect statement is D because ClO₃, despite being a radical, does not dimerize due to its electronic and steric properties.
