Question

Write a short note on anomalous properties of the first element of the p-block.

Answer 1

In p-block elements, the first member of each group differs from the other elements of the corresponding group.

The following factors are responsible for this anomalous behaviour.

1. Small size of the first member.
2. High ionisation enthalpy and high electronegativity.
3. Absence of d-orbitals in their valance shell.

The first member of group-13, boron is a metalloid while others are reactive metals. Moreover, boron shows a diagonal relationship with silicon of group -14. The oxides of boron and silicon are similar in their acidic nature.