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Chemistry Question 63 – JEE-MAIN 2025

Compounds that should not be used as primary standards in titrimetric analysis are : A. Na2Cr2O7 B. Oxalic acid C. NaOH D. FeSO46H2O E. Sodium tetraborate Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Recall the key characteristics of a primary standard, such as high purity, stability, non-hygroscopic nature, and high equivalent weight.

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Ninja StrategyIdentify Definite Non-Standards First

First, identify the compounds that are absolutely not primary standards (NaOH and FeSO46H2O). Then, eliminate options that do not include both of these. Finally, choose the most plausible option among the remaining, considering subtle distinctions in primary standard definitions.

Step 1: Define Primary Standards✦ Active

A primary standard is a substance of high purity, stability, non-hygroscopic nature, and high equivalent weight, used to prepare standard solutions. Compounds that do not meet these criteria are unsuitable as primary standards.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Compound's Suitability as a Primary Standard○ Expand

Let's evaluate each compound given: A. Na2Cr2O7 (Sodium dichromate): While often considered a primary standard, some sources prefer K2Cr2O7 due to Na2Cr2O7's potential hygroscopicity, making it less ideal in very strict definitions. Thus, it can be considered 'not a primary standard' in some contexts. B. Oxalic acid (H2C2O42H2O): A well-known and widely accepted primary standard. C. NaOH (Sodium hydroxide): Definitely not a primary standard due to its highly hygroscopic nature and its tendency to absorb CO2 from the air, leading to variable composition. D. FeSO46H2O (Ferrous sulfate hexahydrate): Not a primary standard as ferrous salts are easily oxidized by air, making them unstable. E. Sodium tetraborate (Na2B4O710H2O, Borax): A well-known and widely accepted primary standard for acid-base titrations.

Step 3: Identify Non-Primary Standards and Select the Most Appropriate Option○ Expand

Based on the evaluation, C (NaOH) and D (FeSO46H2O) are unequivocally not primary standards. Considering the potential hygroscopicity of Na2Cr2O7 (A) as a reason to classify it as 'not a primary standard' in a stricter sense, the set of compounds that should not be used as primary standards would be A, C, and D. This set matches Option 1.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

In cases where the ideal option is not present, choose the 'most appropriate' answer by identifying the definite non-standards and then considering which of the generally accepted primary standards might have minor drawbacks that could lead to their exclusion in a strict interpretation.

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