JEE Main · 2022 · Shift-IImediumRDX-065

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A:…

Redox Reactions · Class 11 · JEE Main Previous Year Question

Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.

Assertion A: Phenolphthalein is a pH dependent indicator, remains colourless in acidic solution and gives pink colour in basic medium. Reason R: Phenolphthalein is a weak acid. It doesn't dissociate in basic medium.

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

Options
  1. a

    Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

  2. b

    Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

  3. c

    A is true but R is false

  4. d

    A is false but R is true

Correct Answerc

A is true but R is false

Detailed Solution

Step 1 — Evaluate Assertion A:

Phenolphthalein:

  • In acidic medium (pH < 8.3): exists as H2In\mathrm{H_2In} (colourless lactone form) ✓
  • In basic medium (pH > 10): exists as In2\mathrm{In^{2-}} (pink quinonoid form) ✓
  • It is indeed pH-dependent

Assertion A is TRUE

Step 2 — Evaluate Reason R:

Phenolphthalein IS a weak acid — this part is correct.

However, the statement "It doesn't dissociate in basic medium" is INCORRECT. In basic medium, phenolphthalein dissociates (loses protons) to form the coloured In2\mathrm{In^{2-}} ion: H2InOHHInOHIn2 (pink)\mathrm{H_2In \xrightarrow{OH^-} HIn^- \xrightarrow{OH^-} In^{2-}\ (pink)}

The pink colour in basic medium is precisely BECAUSE it dissociates in basic medium.

Reason R is FALSE

Answer: Option (3) — A is true but R is false

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