Question

+3 oxidation state become more and more stable from As to Bi in the group.why?

Answer 1

Answer:

+3 oxidation state become more and more stable from As to Bi in the group because of 'inert pair effect'. When the electrons in the outer shell remain paired and does not participate in bonding then this is called 'inert pair effect'. The energy required to unpair them exceeds the energy involved when they form bonds. Therefore, the s-electrons remain paired.