Easy MCQ +4 / -1 PYQ · JEE Mains 2025

The species which does not undergo disproportionation reaction is :

  1. A $\mathrm{ClO}_4^{-}$ Correct answer
  2. B $\mathrm{ClO}_3^{-}$
  3. C $\mathrm{ClO}^{-}$
  4. D $\mathrm{ClO}_2^{-}$

Solution

<p>$\textbf{Oxidation States:}$</p> <p><p>In $\mathrm{ClO_4^-}$ (perchlorate), chlorine is in the +7 oxidation state.</p></p> <p><p>In $\mathrm{ClO_3^-}$ (chlorate), chlorine is in the +5 oxidation state.</p></p> <p><p>In $\mathrm{ClO_2^-}$ (chlorite), chlorine is in the +3 oxidation state.</p></p> <p><p>In $\mathrm{ClO^-}$ (hypochlorite), chlorine is in the +1 oxidation state.</p></p> <p>$\textbf{Disproportionation Reaction:}$</p> <p>A disproportionation reaction is one in which a species simultaneously undergoes oxidation and reduction. For this to occur, the element must be in an intermediate oxidation state such that it can be oxidized to a higher state and reduced to a lower one.</p> <p><p>In $\mathrm{ClO^-}$ and $\mathrm{ClO_2^-}$, chlorine is in lower oxidation states (+1 and +3, respectively), making them susceptible to disproportionation. For example, hypochlorite can disproportionate in basic solution as follows:</p> <p>$3\,\mathrm{ClO^-} \rightarrow 2\,\mathrm{Cl^-} + \mathrm{ClO_3^-}$</p></p> <p><p>In $\mathrm{ClO_3^-}$, chlorine is in an intermediate oxidation state (+5) that, under certain conditions, can undergo disproportionation.</p></p> <p><p>However, in $\mathrm{ClO_4^-}$, chlorine is in its highest possible oxidation state (+7) and cannot be oxidized further. Since disproportionation requires one part of the species to be oxidized and the other reduced, $\mathrm{ClO_4^-}$ is thermodynamically stable and does not undergo disproportionation.</p></p> <p>$$ \boxed{\mathrm{ClO_4^-} \text{ (perchlorate ion) does not undergo disproportionation.}} $$</p>

About this question

Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: Redox Reactions · Topic: Oxidation States

This question is part of PrepWiser's free JEE Main question bank. 49 more solved questions on Redox Reactions are available — start with the harder ones if your accuracy is >70%.

Drill 25 more like these. Every day. Free.

PrepWiser turns these solved questions into a daily practice loop. Chapter-wise drills, full mocks, AI doubt chat. No auto-renew.

Start free →