The Elements of Chemistry: Group 15 of the P Block
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Group 15: What is the P Block of Chemistry?
Group 15 of the Periodic Table commonly called the P Block, is made up of the 6 different chemical elements located in four rows and three columns. Group 15, collectively referred to as pnictogens, is composed of Nitrogen (नाइट्रोजन), Phosphorus (फास्फोरस), Arsenic (आर्सेनिक), Antimony (आंटीमोनियम), Bismuth (बिस्मथ) and Ununpentium (यूनन पेंथियम). Each element in this group has 5 valence electrons and there are three oxidation numbers for each one. The pnictogens are an extremely important group of elements and often known as the ‘building blocks of the world’.
Chemical Properties
The elements in Group 15 have various chemical properties that are diverse and diverse. These properties are particularly helpful when chemists and scientists try to understand and better use these elements.
Nitrogen, for example, is a colourless, diatomic gas that has 3 oxidation states, +5, +4 and +2. It is also known to react with non-metals and form covalent compounds. It is also capable of forming long polyatomic molecules especially ammonia (NH3) and dinitrogen (N2).
Phosphorus is a multivalent non-metal atom and can form many different compounds. It has 3 oxidation states which are +5, +3 and +1. It is capable of forming phosphines (PH3) and diphosphines (P2H4) as well as many other compounds like acids and oxides of phosphorus.
Arsenic is a solid, brittle, semi-metallic element. It has 5 oxidation states, +5, +3, +2, +1 and –3. It is known to form arsenates and arsenites and is also known to react with nonmetals and form covalent bonds.
Antimony is also a solid, brittle, semi-metallic element that has 5 oxidation states which are +5, +4, +3, +2 and –1. It is known to form compounds with non-metals and form covalent bonds.
Bismuth is a solid, brittle, non-metallic element with 3 oxidation states, +5, +3 and +3. It can form bismuthates and bismuthites and is capable of forming covalent compounds with non-metals.
Ununpentium is a synthetic element that does not occur in nature. It has an uncertainty as to how many oxidation states it has, but there- have been modeled as having +3 and +5. It is known to form covalent bonds with non-metals.
urgical Applications
The elements in Group 15 of the Periodic Table are used in many different ways as they have various chemical and physical properties. These elements have been found to be useful in many different fields, ranging from medicine to agriculture and industrial uses.
Nitrogen is used in fertilizers, explosives, polymers and jet fuel. It is also used for medical imaging in MRI scans as Nitrogen-15 is inert and can be detected by magnetism.
Phosphorus is used to make fertilizers and also in incendiary bombs and fireworks. It is also used to make phosphoric acids as well as food additives. Phosphorus is also widely used in industrial applications to increase the corrosion resistance of metals.
Arsenic is used in the manufacture of pesticides and for making semiconductors. It is also used as an adulterant in alcoholic beverages.
Antimony is used to make batteries, alloys, and medical devices. It is also used as a flame-retardant agent for textiles and plastics as well as in semiconductors.
Bismuth is used in medical diagnostic imaging, nuclear power plants, and ceramics. It is also used as a catalyst in some industrial processes and as an alloying agent.
Ununpentium is a synthetic element and cannnot be found in nature thus it has no practical uses. However, it has been studied and hypothesized that it may be useful in producing materials with high thermal-conductivity.
Environmental Effects
The elements of Group 15 can be beneficial but also can be hazardous to the environment if not handled carefully.
Nitrogen is essential to life on Earth as it is part of many living organisms as well as in proteins and DNA. It is released into the atmosphere in its elemental form where it can cause acid rain when combines with water and oxygen. It is also released as nitrous oxide which is a leading causes of global warming and air pollution.
Phosphorous is found in many fertilizers and can enter water systems where lifeforms absorb it which leads to algal blooms.
Arsenic is a highly toxic element and is used to make some pesticides and disinfectants. It can enter water systems and also be released into the air when burned.
Antimony is used in the manufacture of some electronics and plastics and is highly toxic and can accumulate in the environment when not disposed off properly.
Bismuth is used in many industrial applications and is toxic in large amounts. It can accumulate in the environment when not disposed off properly.
Ununpentium is a synthetic element and has no natural sources therefore it is not known to be hazardous.
Conclusion
Group 15, also known as the P Block, is made up of 6 different elements such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Arsenic, Antimony, Bismuth and Ununpentium. Each of these elements has 5 valence electrons and 3 different oxidation numbers and are classified as pnictogens. They are known to have various chemical and physical properties and also have many applications ranging from agriculture to industry. They can be beneficial but in certain cases, can be hazardous to the environment if not handled carefully.
