Question

Select incorrect option:

• A. Carbon can have negative oxidation state in its compounds.
• B. CO$_2$ is most acidic oxide among oxides of group-14 elements.
• C. Maximum valency of carbon is four.
• D. Carbon has least catenation property in group 14.

Hint:

Catenation decreases down the group due to weakening of element–element bonds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To identify the incorrect option among the given statements about carbon, let's evaluate each statement:

1. Carbon can have a negative oxidation state in its compounds:
   • Carbon can exhibit negative oxidation states, especially when bonded with elements that are less electronegative than itself, such as in metal carbides (e.g., calcium carbide, CaC₂) where the oxidation state of carbon is -1.
   • Therefore, this statement is correct.
2. CO₂ is the most acidic oxide among oxides of group-14 elements:
   • Among group-14 oxides (such as CO₂, SiO₂, GeO₂, SnO₂, PbO₂), CO₂ is the most acidic. This is because carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).
   • Therefore, this statement is correct.
3. Maximum valency of carbon is four:
   • Carbon can form four covalent bonds, corresponding to its tetravalency. This is well-established and correct for carbon in its compounds.
   • Therefore, this statement is correct.
4. Carbon has the least catenation property in group 14:
   • Catenation is the ability of an element to form bonds with itself to create chains or rings. Carbon exhibits the maximum catenation tendency among group-14 elements, forming countless organic compounds.
   • This statement implies the opposite of the correct information, making it incorrect.

Upon analysis, the incorrect option is: Carbon has the least catenation property in group 14.