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Question
Discuss the pattern of variation in the oxidation states of B to Tl.
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Solution 1
The electric configuration of group 13 elements is ns2 np1. Therefore, the most common oxidation state exhibited by them should be +3. However, it is only boron and aluminum which practically show the +3 oxidation state. The remaining elements, i.e., Ga, In, Tl, show both the +1 and +3 oxidation states. On moving down the group, the +1 state becomes more stable. For example, Tl (+1) is more stable than Tl (+3). This is because of the inert pair effect. The two electrons present in the s-shell are strongly attracted by the nucleus and do not participate in bonding. This inert pair effect becomes more and more prominent on moving down the group. Hence, Ga (+1) is unstable, In (+1) is fairly stable, and Tl (+1) is very stable
| Group 13 element | Oxidation state |
| B | +3 |
| Al | +3 |
| Ga, In, Tl | +1, +3 |
The stability of the +3 oxidation state decreases on moving down the group.
Solution 2
Common oxidation states are +1 and +3. The stability of +3 oxidation state decreases from B to Tl. +1 oxidation state increases from B to Tl.
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