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Which of the following does not exist as an octatomic solid?(a) Sulphur(b) Tellurium(c) Selenium(d) OxygenI got this question during an internship interview.My doubt stems from P-Block topic in portion P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer»

Correct option is (d) Oxygen

The explanation is: Oxygen exists as a diatomic gas at ROOM temperature while other elements (S, Se and Te) exist as OCTATOMIC SOLIDS. Due to small SIZE and HIGH electronegativity, oxygen atom forms pπ – pπ double bond with other oxygen atom to form O = O molecule. The intermolecular forces of attraction between oxygen molecules are weak van der Waals forces and hence oxygen exists as a diatomic gas at room temperature.



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