JEE Main 2026 — Apr 4, Shift 2 — Chemistry solution

JEE Main2026Apr 4, Shift 2Chemistry

The electronegativity of a group 13 element 'E' is same as that of Ge (on Pauling scale and upto one decimal point). The CORRECT statements about E $^{3 +}$ are

A. It can act as a reducing agent.

B. It can act as an oxidizing agent.

C. E $^{3 +}$ is more stable than E $^{+}$ .

D. The standard electrode potential value for E $^{3 +}$ /E is positive.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

A
A and C Only
B
B and C Only
C
B and D Only
D
A and D Only

Solution

The group 13 element whose Pauling electronegativity matches Ge (≈ 1.8) is thallium (Tl).

For Tl, the inert pair effect makes the +1 state more stable than +3. So:

A. Tl $^{3 +}$ is not a reducing agent — it readily accepts electrons to become Tl $^{+}$ (oxidizing). Wrong.

B. Tl $^{3 +}$ does act as an oxidizing agent (Tl $^{3 +} + 2 e^{-} \to$ Tl $^{+}$ ). Correct.

C. Tl $^{3 +}$ is less stable than Tl $^{+}$ . Wrong.

D. $E ° (Tl^{3 +} / Tl) \approx + 1.26$ V — positive. Correct.

$∴$ B and D only.

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