Question

The correct statements from the following are :
(A) $ Tl^{3+} $ is a powerful oxidising agent
(B) $ Al^{3+} $ does not get reduced easily
(C) Both $ Al^{3+} $ and $ Tl^{3+} $ are very stable in solution
(D) $ Tl^+ $ is more stable than $ Tl^{3+} $
(E) $ Al^{3+} $ and $ Tl^+ $ are highly stable
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E)
• B. (A), (B), (D) and (E) only
• C. (B), (D) and (E) only
• D. (A), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Remember the inert pair effect, which leads to the increased stability of the lower oxidation state (+1) for heavier p-block elements like Tl. Aluminum, being a lighter element in Group 13, primarily exhibits the +3 oxidation state due to the ready participation of all its valence electrons in bonding.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Solution:

In this problem, we need to evaluate the stability and properties of different oxidation states of aluminum ($Al$) and thallium ($Tl$). Let's analyze each statement:

• (A) $Tl^{3+}$ is a powerful oxidizing agent: This is true. Thallium in the +3 oxidation state is known to be a strong oxidizing agent because it can readily gain electrons to get reduced to $Tl^+$, which is more stable.
• (B) $Al^{3+}$ does not get reduced easily: This is true. Aluminum in the +3 state forms a very stable ion and does not easily gain electrons to get reduced.
• (C) Both $Al^{3+}$ and $Tl^{3+}$ are very stable in solution: This statement is incorrect. Thallium($Tl$) in the +3 state is not very stable and tends to get reduced to the more stable +1 state ($Tl^+$).
• (D) $Tl^+$ is more stable than $Tl^{3+}$: This is true. The +1 oxidation state is more stable for thallium due to the inert pair effect.
• (E) $Al^{3+}$ and $Tl^+$ are highly stable: This is true. Aluminum in the +3 state and Thallium in the +1 state are both stable in solution.

Conclusion:
Upon analyzing the statements, the correct ones are (A), (B), (D), and (E). Therefore, the correct answer is:

(A), (B), (D) and (E) only