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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pn121

Which group 16 element shows the strongest tendency for catenation (E-E single bonds)?

  1. ATellurium
  2. BSulphur
  3. COxygen
  4. DSelenium

Answer: B

S-S single bond enthalpy is the highest in the group. The O-O bond is weak because of lone pair-lone pair repulsion between the small oxygen atoms, and bonds weaken from Se to Te. Sulphur therefore catenates most (S8 rings, polysulphides, polythionates).
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