Question

Explain the reactivity of groups 13, 14 and 15 elements towards air.

Answer 1

i. Group 13 elements: 

a. On heating with air or oxygen, group 13 elements form oxide of the type E₂O₃

b. At high temperature, group 13 elements also react with nitrogen present in the air to form corresponding nitrides.

ii. Group 14 elements: The elements of group 14 on heating in air or oxygen form oxide of the type EO and EO in accordance with the stable oxidation state and availability of oxygen.

iii. Group 15 elements: The elements of group 15 on heating in air or oxygen forms two types of oxide i.e., E₂O₃ and E₂O₅

Due to increase in metallic character down the groups 13, 14 and 15, the nature of their oxides gradually varies from acidic through amphoteric to basic.

[Note: The temperature required for the reaction of nitrogen with oxygen is very high. This is produced by striking an electric arc.]