Q5 / 160 · TS EAMCET 2015 · Chemistry
Which one of the following elements does not form triiodide on reacting with iodine?
- A$\mathrm{B}$
- Correct answerBTI
- C$\mathrm{Al}$
- DGa
Solution
Boron show consistently +3 oxidation state in its compounds while rest of the elements show +1 as well as +3 oxidation states. The +1 oxidation state becomes more and more stable as we move down the group, i.e.
$$
\mathrm{Al} < \mathrm{Ga} < \mathrm{In} < \mathrm{Tl}
$$
This is due to the presence of intervening $d$ - and f-orbitals which do not shield the nucleus effectively. Consequently effective nuclear charge
increases, that holds the ns-electrons tightly so that they do not participate in bonding (inert pair effect).
Due to inert pair effect, $\mathrm{Tl}$ in +1 oxidation state is more stable than that of +3 oxidation state.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.