Question

Given below are two statements: 
Statement I: All the pairs of molecules \((\mathrm{PbO}, \mathrm{PbO_2}); (\mathrm{SnO}, \mathrm{SnO_2})\) and \((\mathrm{GeO}, \mathrm{GeO_2})\) contain amphoteric oxides. 
Statement II: \(\mathrm{AlCl_3}, \mathrm{BH_3}, \mathrm{BeH_2}\) and \(\mathrm{NO_2}\) all have incomplete octet. 
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct option.

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

Key points to remember:
Lower oxides of heavier group 14 elements are often amphoteric
Higher oxides tend to be acidic
Electron-deficient molecules violate the octet rule

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Let's analyze the given statements one by one to determine their validity. 

1. Statement I: All the pairs of molecules \((\mathrm{PbO}, \mathrm{PbO_2}); (\mathrm{SnO}, \mathrm{SnO_2})\) and \((\mathrm{GeO}, \mathrm{GeO_2})\) contain amphoteric oxides.
   • \(PbO\) and \(SnO\) are actually amphoteric oxides, meaning they react with both acids and bases.
   • However, \(PbO_2\) is a strong oxidizing agent and not typically classified as amphoteric.
   • \(SnO_2\) is amphoteric, which aligns with the statement.
   • For germanium oxides, \(GeO\) is less commonly discussed, but generally treated as an amphoteric oxide. \(GeO_2\) can be amphoteric, reacting mildly with strong acids and bases.
2. Statement II: \(\mathrm{AlCl_3}, \mathrm{BH_3}, \mathrm{BeH_2}\) and \(\mathrm{NO_2}\) all have incomplete octets.
   • \(AlCl_3\) and \(BH_3\) indeed commonly exhibit incomplete octets: \(AlCl_3\) often forms dimers to satisfy the octet rule better, and \(BH_3\) tends to form adducts.
   • \(BeH_2\) is also electron-deficient and does not follow the octet rule traditionally.
   • \(NO_2\) is a free radical and, under normal conditions, does not have a complete octet around nitrogen.

Conclusion: Statement I is not entirely correct due to nuances in the classification of amphoteric oxides, especially for \(PbO_2\). Meanwhile, Statement II accurately states the electronic deficiencies among the molecules listed. Therefore, the correct answer is: Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.