[Chemistry Class Notes] on Oxidation States of Group 16 Elements Pdf for Exam

When we enter the world of chemistry as learners and students, we are exposed to a variety of chemical reactions, elements and equations. It is intriguing as we learn more about how various substances in our world react and bond with each other to produce different natural and man-made resources that we use for our living. 

One such topic of study in Chemistry is the oxidation states of elements. Let us understand what this means. 

Oxidation Process of Group 16 Elements

The elements of Group 16, termed as ore-forming elements belong to the p-block of the periodic table because as their last electron enters into the p-orbital. The group 16 elements are Oxygen (O), Sulphur (S), Selenium (Se), Tellurium (Te) and Polonium (Po). Out of these, selenium and tellurium are metalloids, polonium is unstable because it is a radioactive element and oxygen and sulphur are non-metals. 

Science tells us that the valency of the electrons of the group 16 elements is 6 which in turn means that 2 more electrons will be required to achieve the octet state. 

The electronic configuration of group 16 elements is ns²np⁴.

Oxidation State of Oxygen (O₂)

For oxygen, its oxidation state is determined by how many elements it is able to gain or let go of to attain a noble gas configuration. Depending on how stable the compound formation is, an element can have only one oxidation state. It also depends on electronegativity and the electronic configuration of these elements. Electronegativity depends on the ability of the elements to attract electrons towards itself. The smaller, the greater its electronegativity. 

Oxygen has high electronegativity. It displays a -2 oxidation state, which means that it gains 2 electrons in most of its metallic oxides. Because oxygen is small and d-orbitals are absent, oxygen does not have space for unpaired electrons. However exceptions include a +2 oxidation state in OF₂, +1 oxidation state in O₂F₂, and -1 oxidation state in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂ ). 

Oxidation State of Sulphur 

Sulphur is bigger in size. It has an empty d-orbital 3d because of which it can expand its valency. While it has a -2 oxidation state, sulphur also exhibits +2, +4 and +6 oxidation states, out of which +4 and +6 are common oxidation states. 

the oxidation state of sulphur is (+II).

 

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