Question

Given below are two statements :
Statement I: SbCI, is more covalent than SbCI3
Statement II: The higher oxides of halogens also tend to be more stable than the lower ones. 
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below : 

• A. Both statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Solution:
Statement I: SbCl₅ is more covalent than SbCl₃
This statement is correct. According to Fajan's rules, higher oxidation states of the central atom lead to greater polarization of the anion, resulting in increased covalent character. Sb in SbCl₅ has a +5 oxidation state, while in SbCl₃, it has a +3 oxidation state. Therefore, SbCl₅ is more covalent than SbCl₃.

Statement II: The higher oxides of halogens also tend to be more stable than the lower ones.
This statement is also correct. Higher oxides of halogens are generally more stable due to the greater covalent character and stronger bonds formed. For example, Cl₂O₇ is more stable than Cl₂O.

Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Correct Answer: (1) Both statement I and Statement II are correct