Question

Explain anomalous behaviour of oxygen in group 16 with respect to:

1. Atomicity
2. Magnetic property
3. Oxidation state

Answer 1

Anomalous behaviour of oxygen:

1. Atomicity: Oxygen is a diatomic molecule (O₂) while others are polyatomic molecules. For example P₄, S₈.
2. Magnetic property: Oxygen is paramagnetic while others are diamagnetic.
3. Oxidation state: Oxygen shows −2, −1, and +2 oxidation states while other elements show, −2, +2, +4, +6 oxidation states. Oxygen can not exhibit a higher oxidation state due to the absence of vacant d orbitals.