tutor - pblock Flashcards
what causes the changing stability in oxidation numbers?
inert pair effect
how does stability of oxidation states change down the group
stability of lower oxidation states increase down the group
define the inert pair effect
tendency of S² electrons to stay paired (remain inert) and form lower oxidation states
why are elements higher in the group more stable in higher oxidation states
more able to promote 1s electron to vacant p-orbitals
what p-block elements are amphoteric
aluminium
lead
what is special about group 3 elements
they are electron deficient molecules
what elements can expand their octet
period 2/3
why do elements form a range of oxides with different oxidation states
successive ionisation energies only have a small increase
what does amphoteric mean
react with acids + bases
why is CO a good reducing agent
is at top of group 4.
+4 is stable ox number
C readily undergoes ox from +2 —> +4
what is expansion of the octet
has readily available d-orbitals, ∴ expands octet
what is a disproportionation reaction
same element undergoing simultaneous oxidation and reduction
why do coordinate bonds form
Al is electron deficient
what is a “heterogeneous” catalyst
catalyst in a different physical state to the reactants
difference between the
physical properties of hexagonal boron nitride and graphite.
boron nitride doesn’t conduct electricity but graphite does
