JEE Main 2026 — Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry

2026mcqmedium

Given below are two statements :

Statement (I) : Oxidising power of halogens decreases in the order $F_2 > Cl_2 > Br_2 > I_2$ , which is the basis of "Layer test".

Statement (II) : "Layer test" to identify $Br_2$ and $I_2$ in aqueous solution involves the oxidation of bromide or iodide into $Br_2$ or $I_2$ respectively with $Cl_2$ , which is a type of displacement redox reaction.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Official previous-year question

Held on 2 Apr 2026 · Verified 6 Jul 2026.

Options

A
Both Statement I and Statement II are true
B
Both Statement I and Statement II are false
C
Statement I is true but Statement II is false
D
Statement I is false but Statement II is true

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Solution

Statement I is true. The oxidising power of halogens decreases down the group in the order $F_2 > Cl_2 > Br_2 > I_2$ . A stronger oxidising halogen can displace a weaker oxidising halogen from its aqueous halide solution. This principle forms the basis of the layer test.

Statement II is true. In the layer test, chlorine water ( $Cl_2$ ) is added to an aqueous solution containing bromide ( $Br^-$ ) or iodide ( $I^-$ ) ions. Since $Cl_2$ is a stronger oxidising agent, it oxidises $Br^-$ to $Br_2$ and $I^-$ to $I_2$ . The reaction is given by:

$Cl_2 + 2X^- \rightarrow 2Cl^- + X_2$ (where $X = Br, I$ )

This is a non-metal displacement redox reaction. The liberated $Br_2$ or $I_2$ is then extracted into an organic solvent layer (like $CHCl_3$ or $CCl_4$ ), where it imparts a characteristic orange-red colour for $Br_2$ or a violet colour for $I_2$ , thereby identifying them.

Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are true.

Answer: Both Statement I and Statement II are true

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Solution

$Cl_2 + 2X^- \rightarrow 2Cl^- + X_2$ (where $X = Br, I$ )

Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are true.

Answer: Both Statement I and Statement II are true

JEE Main 2026 — Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry

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JEE Main 2026 — Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry

Options

Did you get this right?

Solution

Your note

JEE Main Inorganic Chemistry in other years

More JEE Main Inorganic Chemistry questions

Other Chemistry topics for JEE Main

Physical Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

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