The usual oxidation state of boron and aluminum is +3, whereas the heavier elements in group 13 have an increasing tendency to form compounds in the +1 oxidation state. Given that all group 13 elements have an ns2np1 electron configuration, how do you explain this difference between the lighter and heavier group 13 elements?

Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach
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ISBN:9781305079243
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl
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Chapter19: The Representative Elements
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 74AE: The inert-pair effect is sometimes used to explain the tendency of heavier members of Group 3A (13)...
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The usual oxidation state of boron and aluminum is +3, whereas the heavier elements in group 13 have an increasing tendency to form compounds in the +1 oxidation state. Given that all group 13 elements have an ns2np1 electron configuration, how do you explain this difference between the lighter and heavier group 13 elements?

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