The P-Block Elements – Solutions

1)Discuss the general characteristics of Group 15 elements with reference to their electronic configuration, oxidation state, atomic size, ionisation enthalpy and electronegativity.

Solution

General characteristics:

i) Electronic configuration: The general valence shell electronic configuration of elements of Group 15 is ns² np³.

ii) Oxidation state: The common oxidation states of group 15 elements are -3, +3 and +5. Nitrogen and phosphorus exhibit oxidation states of -3 in their compounds. the tendency to show the oxidation state of -3 decreases down the group as the atomic size and metallic character increases. The stability of +3 oxidation state increases and + 5 oxidation state decreases on going down the group due to inert pair effect. This is well noticed in Bi. The only well characterized Bi(V) compound is BiF₅.