Among $\mathrm{K}, \mathrm{Ca}, \mathrm{Fe}$ and $\mathrm{Zn}$, the element which can form more than one…

Among $\mathrm{K}, \mathrm{Ca}, \mathrm{Fe}$ and $\mathrm{Zn}$, the element which can form more than one binary compound with chlorine is:
  1. $\mathrm{Fe}$
  2. $\mathrm{Zn}$
  3. $\mathrm{K}$
  4. $\mathrm{Ca}$

Solution

Metal ions having variable oxidation number can form more than one types of binary compound. Fe shows $+2,+3$ oxidation states. Thus, it can form $\mathrm{FeCl}_3, \mathrm{FeCl}_2$. Related Theory Binary compounds are chemical compounds comprising of two distinct elements. For example, water, calcium chloride etc. Caution $\mathrm{Zn}$, even being a transition metal shows only +2 oxidation state, due to fully filled $3 d$ subshell.

Asked in: NEET 2004

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