Question

Discuss the following property and its variation in the group 15 elements:

Oxidation states

Answer 1

1. Group 15 elements have valence shell configuration ns² np³, allowing them to exhibit multiple oxidation states.
2. They can gain 3 electrons to achieve a −3 oxidation state (common in N and P) due to high electronegativity and small size.
3. Alternatively, they can lose 3 or 5 electrons to show +3 and +5 oxidation states.
4. Stability of the +3 state increases down the group due to the inert pair effect, while +5 state stability decreases.
5. Heavier elements like Sb and Bi mostly show the +3 state; +5 states occur through covalent bonding.

Thus, oxidation states vary from −3 to +5 in Group 15 elements, depending on the elements size and electronegativity.