Question

Discuss the oxidation states in Group 18 elements.

Answer 1

• The group 18 elements have a stable electronic configuration ns²np⁶ with completely filled orbitals. 
• Due to completely filled orbitals and complete octets these elements do not show a tendency to ose, gain or share electrons.
• They have zero valency and mostly exist as monoatomic gases.
• Xenon exhibits higher oxidation states, as the paired electrons of the valence shell can be unpaired and promoted to the empty d-orbitals.
• The unpaired electrons are shared with fluorine or oxygen atoms to form covalent compounds with higher oxidation states such as XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆, XeO₃ and XeOF₆.