THE P –BLOCK ELEMENTS

 In p-block elements the last electron enters the outermost p orbital.

 Number of p orbitals is three & therefore, maximum number of
electrons that can be accommodated in a set of p orbitals is six.
 Consequently there are six groups of p–block elements in the periodic
table numbering from 13 to 18.

 valence shell electronic configuration is ns2np1–6 ; (He - 1s2 configuration)

 The absence of d orbitals in second period and presence of d / d & f
orbitals in heavier elements (starting from third period onwards) have
significant effects on the properties of elements.
 In addition, the presence of all the three types of elements; metals,
metalloids & non-metals bring diversification in chemistry of these
elements.
 non-metals & metalloids exist only in the p-block of the periodic table
 The non-metallic character of elements decreases down the group
 Non-metals have higher ionisation enthalpies & higher
electronegativities than metals.
 Hence, in contrast to metals which readily form cations, non-metals
readily form anions.
 The first member of p-block differs from the remaining members of their
corresponding group in two major respects – size (& all other properties
which depend on size) & arises from the effect of d orbitals in the
valence shell of heavier elements (starting from the third period
onwards) & their lack in second period elements.
 Using vacant d-orbitals lying between p orbital higher s orbital the third
period elements can expand their covalence above four
 The combined effect of size and availability of d orbitals considerably
influences the ability of these elements to form π bonds.
 The first member of a group differs from the heavier members in its
ability to form p π - p π multiple bonds to itself (e.g., C=C, , )
to other second row elements (e.g., C=O, C=N, , N=O).
 This type of p – bonding is not particularly strong for the heavier p-block
elements due to involvement of d orbitals (d π – p π / d π –d π).
 As the d orbitals are of higher energy than the p orbitals, they contribute
less to the overall stability of molecules than does p π - p π bonding of
the second row elements.
Group 15 Elements

 The group consists of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As),

Antimony (Sb), Bismuth (Bi), & Moscovium (Mc)
 Nitrogen & phosphorus being typical non-metals; arsenic and
antimony, metalloids; bismuth, a metal; Moscovium is expected to be a
metal- no properties/ its compounds have been measured due to its
extremely limited & expensive production & its fast decomposition
 Moscovium – synthetic & extremely radioactive ( t½ = 20 - 650 ms)
 Widest range in physical state of any group in the periodic table.
 Nitrogen, for example, is a gas that liquefies at about −200° C &freezes
around −210° C, whereas bismuth is a solid melting at 271° C & boiling at
about 1,560° C.
 Nitrogen & phosphorus, which constitute 2.4 & 0.9 %, respectively, of
the total weight of the human body.

Occurrence

 Molecular nitrogen comprises 78% by volume of the atmosphere.

 In the earth’s crust, it occurs as sodium nitrate, NaNO3 (called Chile
saltpetre) & potassium nitrate (Indian saltpetre).
 It is found in the form of proteins in plants and animals.
 Phosphorus occurs in minerals