Question

Which group 16 element has 8 allotropic forms?

(a) Sulphur

(b) Oxygen

(c) Selenium

(d) Polonium

I had been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.

I'd like to ask this question from P-Block in section P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct option is (c) Selenium

Explanation: Selenium has eight allotropic forms, of which three are red monoclinic forms containing Se8 rings. The thermodynamically most stable form is grey hexagonal metallic Selenium which consists of polymeric helical chains.