Question

The +1 oxidation state in group 13 and +2 oxidation state in group 14 becomes more and more stable with increasing atomic number. Explain.

Answer 1

In group 13 and 14, as we move down the group, the tendency of s-electrons of the valence shell to participate in bond formation decreases. This is due to ineffective shielding of s-electrons of the valence shell by the intervening d- and f-electrons. This is called inert pair effect.

Due to this, s-electrons of the valence shell of group 13 and 14 are unable to participate in bonding. Hence, +1 and +2 oxidation states, in group 13 and 14 respectively, become -more stable with increasing atomic number.