Chemistry Q59 – JEE-MAIN 2025

Home Chemistry Periodicity & ElementsQuestion #532

The nature of oxide (

{TeO}_{2}

) and hydride (

{TeH}_{2}

) formed by Te, respectively are :

Clue 1 of 3: Periodic Trends

Recall the trends in properties of oxides and hydrides down a group in the periodic table, specifically for Group 16 elements.

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Ninja Strategy•Hydride Acidity Trend

Recognize that the acidity of Group 16 hydrides increases down the group, immediately eliminating options that state ${TeH}_{2}$ is basic.

🧠 Full Solution Path

Step 1: Determine the nature of

{TeO}_{2}

✦ Active

Tellurium ( $Te$ ) is a Group 16 element. In ${TeO}_{2}$ , Tellurium is in the $+ 4$ oxidation state. Elements in intermediate oxidation states can act as both oxidizing and reducing agents. However, ${TeO}_{2}$ is known to be an oxidizing agent; for example, it oxidizes $HI$ to $I_{2}$ (where $Te$ goes from $+ 4$ to $0$ ). In terms of acid-base nature, ${TeO}_{2}$ is amphoteric, but among the given options, we need to choose its redox nature.

{TeO}_{2} + 4 HI \to Te + 2 I_{2} + 2 H_{2} O

Thus, ${TeO}_{2}$ is an oxidizing agent.

Step 2: Determine the nature of

{TeH}_{2}

○ Expand

For Group 16 hydrides ( $H_{2} O$ , $H_{2} S$ , $H_{2} Se$ , $H_{2} Te$ ), the acidic character increases down the group due to the decrease in $E-H$ bond strength and increase in atomic size, making it easier to release $H^{+}$ . Therefore, ${TeH}_{2}$ is acidic.

Step 3: Combine the natures and select the correct option○ Expand

Based on the analysis, ${TeO}_{2}$ is oxidizing and ${TeH}_{2}$ is acidic. This combination matches option 2.

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Chemistry Question 59 – JEE-MAIN 2025

Clue 1 of 3: Periodic Trends

🧠 Full Solution Path