NEETChemistryp Block Elements (Group 13 & 14)
Why are only p-orbital electrons involved in bonding for some elements in the group 13?
Options
- ADue to their high ionization enthalpies
- BDue to the poor shielding effect of intervening d and f orbitals
- CDue to their low melting points
- DDue to their low electronegativity
Correct answer
B. Due to the poor shielding effect of intervening d and f orbitals
Step-by-step solution
Down the group, due to poor shielding effect of intervening d and f orbitals, the increased effective nuclear charge holds ns electrons tightly (responsible for inert pair effect) and thereby, restricting their participation in bonding. As a result of this, only p-orbital electron may be involved in bonding.