Question:medium

Which among the following is paramagnetic?

Show Hint

A species with one or more unpaired electrons is paramagnetic. 

Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Cl2O
  • ClO2
  • Cl2O7
  • Cl2O6
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine which of the given substances is paramagnetic, we need to understand the concept of paramagnetism. Paramagnetism arises due to the presence of unpaired electrons in a molecule. Hence, a substance is paramagnetic if it has at least one unpaired electron in its electronic structure.

Let's examine each option:

  1. Cl2O: Dichlorine monoxide (Cl2O) has all paired electrons and hence is diamagnetic.
  2. ClO2: Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) has an odd number of total electrons, leading to one unpaired electron. Thus, ClO2 is paramagnetic.
  3. Cl2O7: Dichlorine heptoxide (Cl2O7) has all paired electrons, making it diamagnetic.
  4. Cl2O6: Dichlorine hexoxide (Cl2O6) also has all paired electrons, meaning it is diamagnetic.

From this analysis, ClO2 is paramagnetic due to the presence of an unpaired electron.

Conclusion: The paramagnetic compound among the options given is ClO2.

Was this answer helpful?
0