Question:medium

Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. 
Assertion A: Permanganate titrations are not performed in presence of hydrochloric acid. 
Reason R: Chlorine is formed as a consequence of oxidation of hydrochloric acid. 
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Updated On: Mar 18, 2026
  • Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • A is true but R is false
  • A is false but R is true
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Let's analyze the given assertion and reason to determine the correct answer:

Assertion A: Permanganate titrations are not performed in presence of hydrochloric acid.

Reason R: Chlorine is formed as a consequence of oxidation of hydrochloric acid.

  1. Understanding Permanganate Titrations:
    Permanganate titrations often involve the use of a strong oxidizing agent, potassium permanganate, \text{KMnO}_4. They are typically carried out in acidic conditions using sulfuric acid, but not hydrochloric acid.
  2. Role of Hydrochloric Acid:
    Hydrochloric acid is generally avoided in these titrations because it can be oxidized to chlorine gas by permanganate ions. The reaction can be represented as:
    \text{2KMnO}_4 + 16\text{HCl} \rightarrow 2\text{KCl} + 2\text{MnCl}_2 + 5\text{Cl}_2 + 8\text{H}_2\text{O}
  3. Examination of Assertion and Reason:
    • Assertion A is true because using hydrochloric acid in permanganate titrations can lead to unintended side reactions, such as the formation of Cl2 gas, complicating the procedure.
    • Reason R is true because, indeed, chlorine gas is formed as a result of hydrochloric acid oxidation in the presence of a strong oxidizing agent like \text{KMnO}_4.
    • Additionally, Reason R directly explains Assertion A, because it explicitly states the issue with using hydrochloric acid: the generation of chlorine, making Reason R a correct explanation of Assertion A.
  4. Conclusion:
    Since both the assertion and reason are true, and Reason R correctly explains Assertion A, the correct answer is: "Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A."
Was this answer helpful?
0