Question

Assertion: Both rhombic and monoclinic sulphur exist as $S_8$ but oxygen exists as $O_2.$

Reason: Oxygen form $p\pi -p\pi$ multiple bond due to small size and small bond length but $p\pi -p\pi$ bonding is not possible in sulphur due to its larger atomic size than oxygen.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
• D. Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion

Explanation: Both rhombic and monoclinic sulphur exist as $S_8$ but oxygen exists as $O_2.$. Oxygen form $p\pi -p\pi$ multiple bond due to small size and small bond length but $p\pi -p\pi$ bonding is not possible in sulphur due to its larger atomic size than oxygen.

The two oxygen atoms form one sigma covalent and one $p\pi -p\pi$ multiple bond to get an eight electron configuration.
But each sulphur atom in $S_8$ forms two sigma covalent bonds with each of its neigbouring $S$ atoms to get their octate configuration.
Hence, option (a) is correct.