Question

Assertion (A) Fluorine cannot exhibit any positive oxidation state.
Reason (R) Fluorine exhibits only $-1$ oxidation state.

• A. Both $A$ and $R$ are correct; $R$ is the correct explanation of $A$.
• B. Both $A$ and $R$ are correct; $R$ is not the correct explanation of $A$.
• C. $A$ is correct; $R$ is incorrect.
• D. $R$ is correct; $A$ is incorrect.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Fluorine is the most electronegative element and cannot exhibit any positive oxidation state. Other halogens have $d$-orbitals and therefore can expand their octets and show $+1,+3,+5$ and $+7$ oxidation states too.