p-Block Elements: JEE Main Chemistry Question with Solution
Group-13 elements react with O2 in amorphous form to form oxides of type M2O3(M=element). Which among the following is the most basic oxide?
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Hint 1 of 2
How does the acid-base character of Group-13 oxides change descending from Boron to Thallium?
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Correct answer
Thallium(III) oxide (extTl2extO3) is the most basic oxide among the Group-13 oxides because metallic character and basicity increase down the group.
Option analysis
Why each option works or fails
A · Al2O3
Believing that aluminium oxide is basic because aluminium is a common metal. Recognize that Al2O3 is amphoteric and reacts with both acids and strong bases.
B · Ga2O3
Assuming gallium oxide is more basic than thallium oxide due to incomplete group trends. Recall that Ga2O3 is still amphoteric, whereas oxides become distinctly basic only further down the group.
C · Tl2O3
None. This is the correct choice. Down Group 13 (B to Tl), electropositive and metallic character increase, shifting the nature of M2O3 from acidic (B2O3) to amphoteric (Al2O3, Ga2O3) to predominantly basic (In2O3, Tl2O3).
D · B2O3
Confusing acidic and basic trends along a periodic table group. Recall that non-metallic oxides at the top of p-block groups, such as B2O3, are acidic, not basic.
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Solution
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Metallic character and electropositivity increase down Group 13, making basicity of M2O3 follow B2O3 (acidic)<Al2O3,Ga2O3 (amphoteric)<In2O3 (basic)<Tl2O3 (most basic); hence, Tl2O3 is the most basic oxide.
Hints that build this answer step by step
How does the acid-base character of Group-13 oxides change descending from Boron to Thallium?
Basicity increases and acidity decreases down the group.
Which classification correctly describes the oxides of Group 13 in order from top to bottom?
B2O3 is acidic; Al2O3 and Ga2O3 are amphoteric; In2O3 and Tl2O3 are basic.