Which of the following statements regarding sulphur is incorrect? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

I need to see the options to identify which statement about sulphur is incorrect. Since the correct answer is D, let me work through the typical incorrect statements about sulphur: Common **correct** statements about sulphur: - Sulphur exhibits allotropy (rhombic, monoclinic, plastic forms) - Sulphur is a non-metal with atomic number 16 - Sulphur forms $H_2S$ with hydrogen - Sulphur shows +6, +4, and -2 oxidation states - Sulphur forms $SO_2$ and $SO_3$ Common **incorrect** statements about sulphur (likely option D): - "Sulphur is a metal" — **INCORRECT** (it's a non-metal) - "Sulphur shows only +6 oxidation state" — **INCORRECT** (shows -2, +4, +6) - "Sulphur does not show allotropy" — **INCORRECT** (it does) - "Sulphur forms $H_2SO_3$ which is unstable and does not exist" — **This is tricky**: $H_2SO_3$ is actually the anhydride of $SO_2$; it's unstable and cannot be isolated in pure form, but this statement is often considered INCORRECT in the sense that $H_2SO_3$ is not a stable, isolable compound **Most likely answer D:** A statement claiming sulphur shows only one oxidation state, or that $SO_3$ is the anhydride of $H_2SO_3$ (incorrect—$SO_3$ is anhydride of $H_2SO_4$), or that sulphur cannot form compounds with halogens. Without seeing all options, the incorrect statement is most likely claiming a false property about sulphur's oxidation states, stability of its compounds, or chemical behavior.