Which of the following parent acid(s) does/do not have corresponding hypo-oxyacid? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Analyze the hydrolysis of XeF2: 2XeF2 + 2H2O -> 2Xe + 4HF + O2. The products are elemental Xenon, HF, and Oxygen. Step 2: Analyze the hydrolysis of XeF4: 6XeF4 + 12H2O -> 4Xe + 2XeO3 + 24HF + 3O2. The products of this disproportionation reaction are Xenon, Xenon trioxide (XeO3), HF, and Oxygen. Step 3: Comparing the two, Xe, HF, and O2 are common to both reactions, whereas Xenon trioxide (XeO3) is produced only by XeF4 and not by XeF2. Thus, XeO3 is the uncommon product, matching option (b).