Question:
Among \(P_4,\;S_8\) and \(N_2\), the elements which undergo disproportionation when heated with \(NaOH\) solution are
Among \(P_4,\;S_8\) and \(N_2\), the elements which undergo disproportionation when heated with \(NaOH\) solution are
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In disproportionation, the same element is simultaneously oxidized and reduced. White phosphorus and sulphur commonly show this behavior with hot alkali solutions.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
- \(P_4,\;S_8\) only
- \(N_2,\;S_8\) only
- \(N_2,\;P_4\) only
- \(P_4,\;N_2,\;S_8\)
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand disproportionation reaction.
A disproportionation reaction is one in which the same element undergoes both oxidation and reduction simultaneously.
Step 2: Examine the reaction of \(P_4\) with \(NaOH\).
White phosphorus reacts with hot sodium hydroxide solution as: \[ P_4+3NaOH+3H_2O\rightarrow PH_3+3NaH_2PO_2 \] Here, phosphorus is reduced to \[ PH_3 \] and oxidized to \[ H_2PO_2^- \] Hence, disproportionation occurs.
Step 3: Examine the reaction of \(S_8\) with \(NaOH\).
Sulphur reacts with hot alkali: \[ 3S+6NaOH\rightarrow2Na_2S+Na_2SO_3+3H_2O \] Sulphur is reduced to sulphide and oxidized to sulphite.
Thus, sulphur also undergoes disproportionation.
Step 4: Examine \(N_2\).
Nitrogen gas is highly stable due to the strong triple bond: \[ N\equiv N \] It does not undergo disproportionation with \(NaOH\).
Step 5: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the species undergoing disproportionation are \[ \boxed{P_4,\;S_8\;\text{only}} \]
A disproportionation reaction is one in which the same element undergoes both oxidation and reduction simultaneously.
Step 2: Examine the reaction of \(P_4\) with \(NaOH\).
White phosphorus reacts with hot sodium hydroxide solution as: \[ P_4+3NaOH+3H_2O\rightarrow PH_3+3NaH_2PO_2 \] Here, phosphorus is reduced to \[ PH_3 \] and oxidized to \[ H_2PO_2^- \] Hence, disproportionation occurs.
Step 3: Examine the reaction of \(S_8\) with \(NaOH\).
Sulphur reacts with hot alkali: \[ 3S+6NaOH\rightarrow2Na_2S+Na_2SO_3+3H_2O \] Sulphur is reduced to sulphide and oxidized to sulphite.
Thus, sulphur also undergoes disproportionation.
Step 4: Examine \(N_2\).
Nitrogen gas is highly stable due to the strong triple bond: \[ N\equiv N \] It does not undergo disproportionation with \(NaOH\).
Step 5: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the species undergoing disproportionation are \[ \boxed{P_4,\;S_8\;\text{only}} \]
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