Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Discuss the pattern of variation in the oxidation states of B to Tl.
Advertisements
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.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Explain the difference in properties of diamond and graphite on the basis of their structures.
Rationalise the given statement and give a chemical reaction:
Lead (II) chloride reacts with Cl2 to give PbCl4.
Explain why is there a phenomenal decrease in ionisation enthalpy from carbon to silicon?
Write suitable chemical equations to show the nature of the following oxide.
Tl2O3
Rationalise the given statement and give a chemical reaction:
Lead (IV) chloride is highly unstable towards heat.
Classify the following oxide as neutral, acidic, basic or amphoteric:
CO2
Write suitable chemical equations to show the nature of the following oxide.
B2O3
Write suitable chemical equations to show the nature of the following oxide.
SiO2
Write suitable chemical equations to show the nature of the following oxide.
Al2O3
Which of the following is a Lewis acid?
The linear shape of CO2 is due to:
(i) sp3 hybridisation of carbon.
(ii) sp hybridisation of carbon.
(iii) pπ – pπ bonding between carbon and oxygen.
(iv) sp2 hybridisation of carbon.
Explain the following:
CO2 is a gas whereas SiO2 is a solid.
Carbon and silicon both belong to the group 14, but inspite of the stoichiometric similarity, the dioxides, (i.e., carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide), differ in their structures. Comment.
A tetravalent element forms monoxide and dioxide with oxygen. When air is passed over heated element (1273 K), producer gas is obtained. Monoxide of the element is a powerful reducing agent and reduces ferric oxide to iron. Identify the element and write formulas of its monoxide and dioxide. Write chemical equations for the formation of producer gas and reduction of ferric oxide with the monoxide.
The principal ore of lead is ______.
\[\ce{SiCl4 ->[H2O] (A) ->[\Delta] (B) ->[Na2CO3][heat] (C)}\]. The Compound C is ______.
