Oxygen exhibits oxidation states - 2 to + 2 while other elements of this group exhibit oxidation states + 2 , + 4 and + 6 why?

In group 16 elements the electronegativity decreases down the group with increasing atomic number. Therefore, the power to attract the electron diminishes. Thus, the tendency to show -2 oxidation state by group 16 elements decreases as the atomic number increases. Moreover, the elements other than oxygen has provisions for vacant d -orbitals in the valence shell. Apart from this, to promote the electron from 2 s - or 2 p - orbitals into 3 s - or 3 p - orbitals require large amount of energy which cannot be provided by the enthalpy of chemical reaction. Thus, elements of group 16 except oxygen can expand their octets and show higher oxidation states of +4 and +6 in their compounds. Oxygen reacts with the most electronegative element fluorine and exhibits + 1 and +2 oxidation states. Other elements of this group + 2 , + 4 , + 6 oxidation states because they are not as electronegative as oxygen.

MEDIUM

Earn 100

Of $H_{2} S$ and ${PH}_{3}$ , which is more acidic.

Important Questions on Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18

MEDIUM

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

Identify the incorrect statements among the following?
(i)

{SF}_{6}

does not react with water
(ii)

{SF}_{6}

{sp}^{3} d

hybridized
(iii)

S_{2} O_{3}^{2 -}

is a linear ion
(iv) There is no

π

-bonding in

{SO}_{4}^{2 -}

ion

MEDIUM

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

What is the main product formed when iodine reacts with hypo ?

EASY

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

The correct order of acidic character of the following is:

MEDIUM

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

Arrange the following in order of property indicated for each set : $H_{2} O H_{2} S H_{2} Se H_{2} Te$ – increasing acidic character

HARD

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

Explain why in spite of nearly the same electronegativity, oxygen forms hydrogen bonding while chlorine does not.

EASY

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

Assertion A :

{SF}_{6}

is highly stable
Reason (R) :

{SF}_{6}

is a gas
The correct option among the following is

EASY

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

In which one of the following arrangements the given sequence is not strictly according to the properties indicated against it?

MEDIUM

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

Why is

H_{2} O

a liquid and

H_{2} S

a gas at normal temperature?

MEDIUM

Chemistry>Inorganic Chemistry>Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18>Chemical Properties of Group 16 Elements

Which of the following statements are correct for hydrides of

16^{th}

group elements?
I) Boiling point is highest for water and lowest for hydrogen sulphide
II) Bond dissociation enthalpy is highest for water and lowest for hydrogen sulphide
III Reducing property increases from