CBSE-i

Some Elements p-Block

TEACHERS MANUAL
CHEMISTRY
CLASS
XI XI
UNIT-12
Shiksha Kendra, 2, Community Centre, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110 092 India
CBSE-i
Some Elements p-Block
TEACHERS MANUAL
CHEMISTRY
CLASS
XI XI
UNIT-12
Shiksha Kendra, 2, Community Centre, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110 092 India
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Preface
Advisory Conceptual Framework
Ideators Classes XI and XII
Shri Vineet Joshi, Chairman, CBSE Shri G. Balasubramanian, Former Director (Acad), CBSE
Dr. Sadhana Parashar, Director (Training), CBSE Ms. Abha Adams, Consultant, Step-by-Step School, Noida
Dr. Sadhana Parashar, Director (Training), CBSE
Prof. A K Bakshi Ms. P Rajeshwari Dr. Niti Nandini Chatnani Ms. Neeta Rastogi
Dr. N K Sehgal Ms. Gyatri Khanna Dr. Anil K Bali Dr. Anshu
Prof. Kapil Kapor Mrs. Anita Makkar Dr. Preeti Tewai Dr. Rajesh Hassija
Ms. Renu Anand Prof. Biswajit Nag Dr. Deeksha Bajpai Mr. Mukesh Kumar
Dr. Barkatullah Khan Ms. Usha Sharma Mr. S K Agarwala Dr. Om Vikas
Ms. Avnita Bir
English :
Chemistry :
Ms. Gayatri Khanna
Ms. Renu Anand
Ms. P Rajeshwary
Ms. Sandhya Awasthi
Ms. Manna Barua
Ms. Veena Bhasin
Ms. Urmil Guliani
Ms. Sudha Ravi
Mr. Anil Kumar
Ms. Vijaylaxmi Raman
Ms. Neerada Suresh
Ms. Himaal Handoo
Dr. G S Sodhi
Dr. Vimal Rarh
Dr. Shalini Baxi
Dr. Vinita Arora
Dr. Vandana Soni
Ms. Charu Maini
Ms. Rashmi Sharma
Ms. Kavita Kapoor
Biology :
Physics :
Mathematics :
Dr. Ranjana Saxena
Dr. Neeraja Sood
Dr. P Chitralekha
Ms. Mridula Arora
Ms. Lucy Jad
Ms. Priyanka Choudhury
Ms. Prerna Gosain
Ms. Malini Sridhar
Dr. B. Biswal
Ms. Namarata Alwadhi
Mr. Dhirender Sharma
Ms. Vandana Banga
Mr. Vivek
Dr. Sushil Kumar
Mrs. Monica Talwar
Mrs. Charu Dureja
Mrs. Seema Juneja
Dr. H L Bhatia
Dr. Sushma Bansal
Mrs. Neeru Aggarwal
Dr. Saroj Khanna
Geography:
Economics:
Dr. Preeti Tewari
Ms. Rupa Das
Mr. S Fazal Daoud Firdausi
Ms. Neena Phogat
Ms. Sujata Sharma
Ms. Deepa Kapoor
Ms. Bharti Malhotra
Ms. Isha Kaushik
Mr. Riyaz Khan
Mr. S K Agarwala
Ms. Ambika Gulati
Ms. Nidhi Singh
Ms. Malti Modi
Ms. Sapna Das
Ms. Ingur Agarwal
Ms. Shankar Kulkarni
Mr. Sandeep Sethi
Accountancy :
Business Studies :
ICT :
Mr. S S Sehrawat
Dr. K Mohna
Dr. Balbir Singh
Ms. Bhupendra Kriplani
Ms. Shipra Vaidya
Mr. Sandeep Sethi
Dr. S K Bhatia
Ms. Meenu Ranjan Arora
Mrs. Shegorika
Mr. Sandeep Sethi
Ms. Usha Sharma
Ms. Komal Bhatia
Ms. Ravisha Aggarwal
Mr. Mukesh Kumar
Ms. Nancy Sehgal
Ms. Purvi Srivastava
Ms. Gurpreet Kaur
Material Production Groups: Classes XI-XII
Acknowledgements
Coordinators:
Ms. Sugandh Sharma, EO
Ms. Madhuchhanda, RO (Inn)
Shri R. P. Sharma,
Consultant (Science)
Dr Rashmi Sethi, EO
Shri Al Hilal Ahmed, AEO
Ms. Neelima Sharma,
Consultant (English)
Ms. S. Radha Mahalakshmi, EO
Ms. Anjali Chhabra, AEO
Ms. Reema Arora,
Consultant (Chemistry)
Mr. Navin Maini, RO (Tech)
Shr. R. P. Singh, AEO
Mr. Sanjay Sachdeva, SO
Preface
Acknowledgement
Syllabus Coverage 1
Learning Outcomes 2
Lesson Plan Matrix 3
Cross-curricular links 6
Mind Map 7
Teachers' Notes
Contents 8-15
Student Worksheet 16-20
Summary 21
Rubrics of Assessment for learning 23
Flowchart & Crossword Puzzle 24
Interesting facts 25
Additional Resource Links 28
Contents


1

Unit 12 Some p-Block Elements

SYLLABUS COVERAGE
11.1 General Introduction
11.2 Group 13 elements
- Electronic configuration
- Inert pair effect
- Reactivity
- Compounds
11.3 Group 14 elements
- Electronic configuration
- General properties
- Catenation
- Allotropic forms of carbon
- Carbides
- Compounds




2

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this unit students would be able to
Deduce the variation in oxidation states within Group 13 and Group 14.
Understand the reactions of boron and aluminium with air, halogens, acids
and alkalis.
Comprehend the concept of catenation.
List the allotropic forms of carbon and describe their general characteristics,
including a brief idea about fullerenes.
Compare the reactivity of silicon tetrachloride and carbon tetrachloride.
Describe the preparation, properties and structures of orthoboric acid, borax
and diborane.
Understand the classification and structures of silicates.
Know the preparative methods and industrial importance of silicones.













3

Lesson Plan Matrix
CONTENT STEPS TO BE FOLLOWED SKILL
DEVELOPED
TEACHERS TIP STUDENTS TIP
A. Warm up -

Emphasize that
within the p-block,
the periodic trends
are not as regular
as amongst the s-
block elements. A
good number of
irregularities in
physical
parameters, such
as atomic radii,
ionic radii and
ionization
enthalpy are
observed in Group
13 and 14.
Unlike, the s-block
elements, where all
members are
metals, the p-block
houses metals, no-
metals and
semimetals
(metalloids). Hence
the chemical
reactivities vary a
great deal within
Group 13 and 14.
Imagination
and
visualisation,
identification,
infer, compare,
analyse,
correlation

Analytical and
problem
solving skills,
Creative
thinking

B. Pre-requisite

Recapitulate the
periodic properties
and trends. .
Recall the periodic
trends and reasons
behind the trends
Recall,
Identification,
comprehension

Scientific and
analytical
thinking
11.1 General
Introduction
Discuss the
position of Group
13 and 14 elements
in the periodic
table. Emphasize
that these elements
have smaller size,
higher ionization
enthalpies and
lower reactivities
The metallic
character increases
on going down the
group. This is most
evident in Group
14, where the first
element (carbon) is
a non-metal, the
next two (silicon
and germanium)
Recall,
identification,
infer, compare


4

than the
corresponding
elements of Group
1 and 2.
are metalloids,
while the last two
(indium and tin)
are true metals.
11.2 Group 13
elements
Discuss the
general trends
within Group 13.
Introduce the
concept of inert
pair effect. List
important
chemical reactions
of boron and
aluminium.
Describe the
preparation,
properties and
structures of some
industrially
important
compounds of
Group 13
elements.
Student Activity 1
The Group 13
elements are harder
and less reactive
than the s-block
elements. A few
compounds of
gallium and
indium find
applications in
semiconductor
devices. Diborane
and orthoboric acid
have interesting
structural
properties, while
borax is
commercially
important.
Student
Worksheet 1
Decision-
making,
observation,
correlation,
Scientific and
analytical
thinking
11.3 Group 14
elements
Emphasize the
importance of
catenation,
explaining why it
is more important
for carbon than for
the other members
of the group. A
description of the
allotropic forms of
carbon, both the
crystalline and
amorphous
varieties. The
variation in
Elucidate the
reason as to why
carbon forms such
a large number and
variety of
compounds. The
variation of
metallic character
within the group.
Preparation and
properties of
different categories
of carbides.
Knowhow of
silicon-based
Organisation,
identification,
infer, compare,
analyse,
correlation


5

reactivities of the
compounds of
carbon and silicon.
The basis of the
classification of
carbides.
Industrial
importance and
structures of
silicates and
silicones.
Student Activity 2
polymers.
Student
Worksheet 2
C. Summary Review the
highlights of the
chapter.
Emphasize the
importance of
variable oxidation
states, catenation
and allotropy.

Compare and
contrast the
properties of s-
and p-block
elements.
Solve the
crossword puzzle.

Understand why
the variation of
metallic character is
more marked in
Group 13 and 14,
than in Group 1
and 2 and to what
consequence.
Student
Worksheet 3

Analyse, infer,
application

Self-
organisation,
self-
disciplined,
dealing with
new situations
or problems,
adaptability.






6

CROSS CURRICULAR LINKS
Biology-To examine the importance of carbon compounds in life processes.
Mathematics-To calculate the lattice energy of the compounds of those
elements which show inert pair effect and compare the values for different
oxidation states.
Environment-To describe the applications of silicon-based solar cells as
devices for conservation of energy.
Physics-To highlight the utility of gallium, silicon and germanium in
semiconductor devices.
Computers-To describe the significance of silicon chips in computer
applications.
Geology-To study abundance of Group 13 and 14 elements under the earth.To
follow the course of carbon cycle in nature.

PRE-REQUISITES
Recall the following concepts already learnt in previous classes.
(i) Position of Group 13 and 14 elements in periodic table.
(ii) Distinction between metals, non-metals and metalloids.
(iii) Formation of ionic and covalent bonds.
(iv) Variation of ionic character on the basis of Fajans rule.



7

MIND - MAP










1. Group 13 elements
Electronic
configuration
Physical
properties
Chemical
properties
Inert pair effect
Reactivity
Compounds
2. Group 14 elements
Electronic
configuration
Physical
properties
Chemical
properties
Catenation
Allotropic forms
Carbides
Compounds


8

Prerequisite
Recapitulate the periodic table and the positioning of p-block. Discuss some periodic
properties and trends.


11.1 General Introduction
Emphasize that within the p-block, the periodic trends are not as regular as
amongst the s-block elements. A good number of irregularities in physical
parameters, such as atomic radii, ionic radii and ionization enthalpy are
observed in Group 13 and 14.
Discuss the position of Group 13 and 14 elements in the periodic table.
Emphasize that these elements have smaller size, higher ionization
enthalpies and lower reactivities than the corresponding elements of Group
1 and 2.

11.2 Group 13 elements
Discuss the general trends within Group 13. Introduce the concept of inert
pair effect. List the important chemical reactions of boron and aluminium.
Describe the preparation, properties and structures of some industrially
important compounds of Group 13 elements.



9

Tell the students to perform Student Activity 1 and Student Worksheet 1.
Extension
Some More Physical Properties of Group 13 Elements
Melting points and Boiling points
Fact Explanation
In comparison to Group 2: The
melting and boiling points of
Group 13 are much higher than
those of Group 2 elements.

The very high melting point of boron
is due to its unusual crystal structure.
The small size and high ionisation
enthalpy makes boron a non-metallic
element, thus, metallic bonding does
not exist.
The structure of boron is icosahedral
(20-faced) with boron at all 12 corners.


Fig: Icosahedral structure of Boron

Gallium also has an unusual structure.
Ga has melting point of 30
o
C.
In the structure of Ga, diatomic
molecules exist which accounts for its
low melting point.
Trend in the group: The
melting points of Group
13 elements do not show a
regular trend.
The boiling points of Group
The regular gradation of boiling point
corresponds to the expected pattern as
no unusual structures exist in liquid
phase.



10

13 elements decrease regularly
as we descend the group.





Density
Fact Explanation
Trend in the group: Densities
increase on descending the
group.
This is due to increase in atomic mass
of the element which outweighs the
effect of increased atomic size. Thus
the density increases on descending
the group.


Figure 12.2 : Densities of the Group 13 elements
Figure 12.1 : Melting points of
Group 13 elements
Figure : Boiling points of the
Group 13 elements



11

Standard reduction potential: The standard reduction potential, E
o
(M
3+
M),becomes more negative in going from B to Al indicating the increase in
metallic nature from B to Al. After Al, the values become less and less
negative and for Tl become positive indicating M
3+
+ 3e
-
M becomes
easier. This explains the +3 oxidation state becoming less stable in aqueous
solution on descending the group.
The E
o
(M
+
| M) value for Tl is more negative than that of In indicating the
higher stability of TI
+
over In
+
.
Anomalous Behaviour of Boron
Boron differs from the other members of Group 13 because of
(i) small atomic size
(ii) high electronegativity
(iii) high Ionisation enthalpy.
The major points of difference are as follows:
(i) Boron is a non-metal and a bad conductor of electricity.
(ii) Boron exists in two allotropic forms i.e. crystalline and amorphous.
(iii) The melting point and boiling point of boron are much higher than
the other elements in the group.
(iv) Boron is hard and almost unreactive at ordinary temperature.
(v) Boron forms only covalent compounds because of its high
electronegativity and Ionisation enthalpy.
Diagonal Relationship of Boron with Silicon
Boron shows anomalous behaviour in its group because of its small size
and non-availability of d-orbitals. Boron resembles silicon, the second
member of the next group.
1. Both boron and silicon do not occur in the free state but are found in
the combined state mostly in the form of borates and silicates.
2. Boron and silicon exhibit properties of non-metals and exist in
allotropic forms.
3. Boron and silicon, both have high melting points and are


12

semiconductors.
4. Both form solid oxides, boron oxide B2O3 and silica SiO2, which
are acidic and dissolve in alkalies to form borates and silicates
respectively.
B2O3 + 6NaOH 2Na3BO3 + 3H2O
SiO2 + 2NaOH Na2SiO3 + H2O
5. The hydroxides of boron and silicon, B(OH)3 and Si(OH)4 both are
weak acids.
B(OH)3 + 6NaOH 2Na3BO3 +3H2O
Si(OH)4 + 2NaOH Na2SiO3 + 3H2O
6. Both boron and silicon form several volatile and spontaneously
inflammable hydrides called boranes and silanes respectively. The
hydrides are readily hydrolysed. The lower hydrides can be obtained
by the reduction of chlorides with LiAlH4.
4BCl3 + 3LiAlH4 3AlCl3 + 3LiCl + 2B2H6
SiCl4 + LiAlH4 AlCl3 + LiCl + SiH4
7. The halides of both boron and silicon are covalent, volatile and
hygroscopic. These are easily hydrolysed by water to boric acid and
silicic acid, respectively.
BCl3+ 3H2O H3BO3 + 3HCl
SiCl4 + 4H2O H4SiO4+ 4HCl
Borax bead test.
When the glassy bead is mixed with some coloured cations such as Ni
2+
,
Co
2+
, Cr
3+
, Cu
2+
, Mn
2+
, etc. and heated again, it gives characteristic
coloured beads of the metaborate of different ions. The test is performed on
a platinum wire with the salts containing these cations. On heating, the
salts are converted into their oxides which form colouredmetaborates with
boron oxide. The characteristic colour imparted to the bead gives an
indication of metallic radical due to colouredmetaborate formation. This is
known as the borax bead test.
NiO + B2O3 Ni (BO2)2
Nickel metaborate (brown)


13

CoO + B2O3 Co(BO2)2
Cobalt metaborate (blue)
Cr2O3 + 3B2O3 2Cr(BO2)3
Chromium metaborate (green)
MnO + B2O3 Mn(BO2)3
Managanese metaborate (pink)
CuO + B2O3 Mn(BO2)2
Cupric metaborate (blue)
Certain metaborates are reduced to the free metal in reducing flame
by carbon.
2Cu(BO2)2 + C 2CuBO2 + B2O3 + CO
Cupric Cuprous
metaborate metaborate
(blue) (colourless)
2CuBO
2
+ C 2Cu + B
2
O
3
+ CO
Metal
(Red)
Structure of Borates
Structure of complex borate anions is difficult to be predicted from the
stoichiometry of their compounds. However, they are generally cyclic or
linear polymers. Structure consists of:
a) Boron atom linked either to three oxygen atom (BO3 units) or four
oxygen atoms (BO4 tetrahedron)
b) Polynuclear anions are formed by corner-sharing of boron oxygen
triangles or tetrahedrons.





14

11.3 Group 14 Elements
Emphasize the importance of catenation, explaining why it is more
important for carbon than for the other members of the group. A description
of the allotropic forms of carbon, both the crystalline and amorphous
varieties. The variation in reactivities of the compounds of carbon and
silicon. The basis of the classification of carbides, structures of silicates and
silicones.
Tell the students to perform Student Activity 2 and Student Worksheet 2.
Extension
Some more Physical Properties of Group 14 elements
Melting point:
Fact Explanation
Trend in the group: On
descending the Group, the
melting points decrease
with the exception of Pb
whose melting point is
slightly more than Sn.

C has an extremely high melting point due to
very strong C-C bonds in the network of C
atoms in the diamond lattice. Si and Ge also
have a diamond type of lattice and thus have
a high melting point.
The decrease in melting points from C to Si
to Ge is due to the weakening of M-M
bond due to increase in covalent radii of the
element.

Figure 12.3 : Melting Points of the Group 14 Elements

The melting point of Sn and Pb are low. They do not use all four electrons


15

for metallic bonding.
BOILING POINTS
Fact Explanation
Trend in the group: On descending
the group boiling points of Group 14
elements decrease.
As we descend the group the sizes of
atoms increase and hence forces of
attraction decrease, thus causing
decrease in boiling point.
DENSITY
Fact Explanation
Trend in the group: The densities
of Group 14 increase as we descend
the group.

There is a greater increase in the atomic
mass as compared to the atomic size and
thus density increases on descending the
group.
Structure of Trisilylamine
The compound trisilylamine has the formula (SiH3)3N.
Electronic

1S 2S 2P

Structure of N (ground state)
In trisilylamine, three sp
2
orbitals are used for bonding, giving a planar
triangular stnucture. The lone pair of electrons occupy a p orbital at right
angles to the plane triangle. This overlaps with the empty d orbitals on
each of the three silicon atoms, and results in bonding. This is known as
- bonding because the empty d-orbital gets a lone pair of electrons
from the full p-orbitals. This shortens the bond length N - Si.

Towards the end of the unit, review the highlights of the chapter.
Emphasize the importance of variable oxidation states, catenation and
allotropy. Compare and contrast the properties of s- and p-block elements.






16



Student Worksheet 1
1. Which of the following metal exists as a liquid in extreme summers?
a) Boron
b) Gallium
c) Indium
d) Thallium
2. The compound MCl is more stable than MCl3. M is
a) Boron
b) Aluminium
c) Gallium
d) Thallium
3. The hydride of which element possesses 2-electron 3-center bonds?
a) Boron
b) Aluminium
c) Indium
d) Thallium
4. Which of the following halides show back bonding?
a) BCl3
b) AlCl3
c) GaCl3
d) CCl4
5. Which is the strongest Lewis acid?
a) BF3
b) BCl3
STUDENT WORKSHEETS



17

c) BBr3
d) BI3
6. Compare the structure of aluminium(III) chloride in solid state and in
aqueous solution.
7. Write chemical equations for the reaction of aluminium with (a) air; (b)
hydrochloric acid; and (c) sodium hydroxide.
8. Why is diborane referred to as an electron deficient compound?
9. Write a note on inert pair effect.
10. Draw the structure of orthoboric acid.
Answers
1. b
2. d
3. a
4. a
5. d






18

Student Worksheet 2
1. Carbon shows the property of catenation because
a) It does not possess d orbitals
b) It is reactive towards most non-metals
c) It readily forms carbides
d) The C C bond strength is very large
2. The largest number of allotropic forms are shown by
a) Carbon
b) Silicon
c) Germanium
d) Tin
3. Which of the following is the most unstable chloride?
a) CCl4
b) SiCl4
c) SnCl4
d) PbCl4
4. Graphite forms intercalation compounds most readily with
a) Lithium
b) Sodium
c) Potassium
d) Rubedium
5. Asbestos is a form of
a) Silicone
b) Silicate
c) Carbide
d) Fullerene


19

6. Explain why carbon tetrachloride is inert, while silicon tetrachloride is
extremely reactive.
7. How are carbides classified? Give two examples of each type.
8. Differentiate between the characteristics of graphite and diamond.
9. Write chemical equations for the reaction of lead with (a) concentrated
sulphuric acid; (b) concentrated nitric acid; and (c) sodium hydroxide.
10. Outline the method for synthesis of cross-linked silicones. What is the
commercial importance of silicones?
Answers

1) d 3) c
2) d 4) b



20

Student Worksheet 3
1. Explain why BF3 has no dipole moment, while PF3 has a substantial dipole.
2. Giving reason, explain why tin(II) chloride is a solid, while tin(IV) chloride is
a liquid.
3. Why do BF3 and BrF3 have different geometries?
4. Explain why carbon dioxide is a gas, but silicon dioxide is a solid.
5. The strength of orthoboric acid increases on adding glycol. Why?
6. Explain why there is no back bonding in Aluminium chloride.
7. Giving reason, explain why doesnt BCl3 dimerize like AlCl3.

















21

SUMMARY
Group 13
Physical Property Trend in the Group
1. Electronic configuration ns
2
np
1

2. Atomic radii and ionic radii Increase
3. Metallic radii does not decrease linearly
4. Ionisation energy does not increase smoothly (d block contraction)
5. Oxidation states +3 state and +1state (inert pair effect)
6. Electropositive character increases (B to Al) and then decreases (Al to Tl)
7. Nature of bonds (ionic bonds) Increases
Chemical Property Trend in the Group
1. Reaction with water No reaction
2. Oxides - Acidic Character Decreases
3. Halides - p -p bond BF3> BCl3> BBr3

Group 14
Physical Property Trend in the Group (on descending) Trend in
Comparison to
Group 15
1. Atomic radii Increases decreases
2. Ionisation energy decreases
(C > Si >Ge>Sn<Pb)
increases
3. Oxidation states +4 (stability decreases), +2 (stability
increases, Inert Pair)

4. Electropositivity Increases decreases
5. Electronegativity Decreases increases
6. Catenation Decreases


22

Chemical Property Trend in the Group
1. Hydrides
Stability decreases
2. Halides MX4 - covalent - tetrahedral
3. Oxides MO2 - dioxides, MO - monoxide (except
silicon)
4. Silicones Organosilicon compounds (R2SiO units)
held by Si - O- Si

Boron compounds are electron deficient.
BH3 has a dimeric nature and exists as diborane. It has four normal covalent B -
H bonds i.e. two centre, two electron bonds which lie in same plane and two
bridge bonds; B ... H ... B i.e. three centre two electron bonds or banana bonds.
Acidic strength of boron trihalides: BI3> BBr3> BCl3> BF3.
Boron on strong heating gives a glassy bead called borax bead which forms the
basis of borax bead test.
Boric acid is a weak monobasic acid and it is not a proton donor but acts like
Lewis acid.
B(OH)3 + H OH [B(OH)4]

+H
+

Carbon shows various allotropic forms like diamond, graphite, coke, charcoal,
lampblack, etc. Fullerene is the 60C allotrope of carbon. It consists of 20 six
membered and 10 five membered rings.
Carbon reacts with elements of lower or equal electronegativity fo form ionic,
covalent and interstitial carbides.
Carbon has maximum tendency for catenation due to stronger C - C bonds.





23

Rubrics of Assessment for Learning

Parameter Beginning
(1)
Approaching
(2)
Meeting
(3)
Exceeding
(4)
Write the valence shell
electronic configuration of
Group 13 and 14 elements.

Comment on the variation of
oxidation states within Group
13 and Group 14 elements.

Comment on the significance
of catenation. How does
catenation vary within Group
13.

Discuss the important
allotropic forms of carbon

Explain the structure of
diborane.

Write the structures of the
trichlorides of boron and
aluminium in solid states..

Comment on the basis of
classifying carbides.

List the important classes of
silicates.


Compare the reactivity of
carbon tetrachloride and
silicon tetrachloride.

Outline the applications of
silicones.




24


FLOW CHART


CROSSWORD
1. A member of Group 13 known for conductivity related applications.
ALUMINIUM
2. Hardest known substance. DIAMOND
3. Conducting allotropic form of carbon. GRAPHITE
4. A compound with banana bonds. DIBORANE
5. Other name for intercalation compounds. LAMELLAR
6. Inorganic benzene. BORAZINE
7. A boron-based compound synthesized from colemanite. BORAX
8. Compounds containing boron and a metal. BORIDES
9. A process by which atoms of an element indulge in self-linkage.
CATENATION
1.
General characteristics
of p-block elements and
their position in the
periodic table.
2.
Group 13 elements.
Physical and chemical
properties. Inert pair
effect. Industrially
important compounds.
3.
3.
Group 4 elements.
Physical and chemical
properties. Catenation.
Allotropic forms of
elements. Industrially
important compounds.
4.
Comparison and
contrast between
members of Group 13
and 4, with special
reference to the
structure of their
compounds.


25

10. An element used in storage batteries. LEAD
11. Binary compounds of carbon. CARBIDES
12. Common name for C60 fullerene. BUCKYBALL
13. Silicates based on discrete tetrahedral units. ORTHOSLICATES
14. Metal which forms a liquid tetrachloride. TIN
15. Used for making solar cells. SILICON
16. Member of Group 13 which shows inert pair effect. THALLIUM
17. An ore of aluminium. BAUXITE
18. An assemblage of carbon atoms to give cylindrical structure. NANOTUBE
19. An extremely poisonous gas whose molecules contain only carbon and
nitrogen. CYANOGEN
20. Silicone-based polymers used as a heat transfer media. SILICONES

MNEMONICS
Boring Aluminum Galleys Indigestible Tally-list (B, Al, Ga, In, Tl)
Can Silly Getty Snatch Pebbles (C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb)

INTERESTING FACTS
Boranes: Although boron is expected to form hydrides like BH3, this
compound is unstable at room temperature. However, large number of higher
hydrides of boron is known.
Boranes fall into two series:
Nido-boranes with a general formula BnH(n+4)
Arachno-boranes with a general formula BnH(n+6). This is a less stable
series. The members of the series are as follows:



26

Table: Two series of Boranes
Nido-boranes : BnH(n+4) Arachno-boranes: BnH(n+6)
B2H6 diborane B4H10tetraborane
B5H9pentaborane - 9 B5H11pentaborane - 11
B6H10hexaborane - 10 B6H12 hexaborane - 12
B8H12octaborane -12 B8H14octaborane - 14
B10H14decaborane B9H15nonaborane or enneaborane

Out of these, diborane is one of the simplest and most studied of the hydrides.
It is an important reagent in synthetic organic chemistry.
The fullerene saga
In 1996, the noble prize in chemistry was shared by two American scientists
named Richard.E.Smalley and Robert.F.Curl of Rice university, Huston,
Texas, USA and a British scientist. Harold W. Kroto for their discovery of
fullerenes in 1985. This fascinating discovery has excelled the interests of
chemists, phycists and material scientist in chemistry. Kroto had shown that
linear chain molecules of carbon and nitrogen i.e. polyynesHCnN were
present in interstellear space. So he got interested in knowing the method to
produce long chains in the laboratory. Smalley had built up an apparatus to
produce clusters of virtually any element in periodic table by 'leaser
vaporization supersonic beam' technique. Curl was an expert in laser
spectroscopy of molecules and transient species Now, Kroto mentioned this
idea to his friend Curl and Curl who was collaborating Smalley from 1982 on
semi-conductor clusters told him that Smalley had the apparatus suited to
produce carbon clusters. Thus, all the three came together and carried out
their research in Rice University in 1985.
Laser evaporation of graphite didn't give any evidence for the formation of
linear molecules. In addition, other carbon clusters containing 40 to 100 of
carbon atoms were formed. By the use of mass spectrometry, they noticed


27

that one peak at atomic unit (U) 720 corresponding to C60 was predominantly
present in evaporation experiments. Another peak, which was at 840 u,
corresponded to C70. This molecule was named Buck minsterfullerene in
honor of American architect Buchminster Fuller, who designed geodesic
domes. Several other experiments were carried out in different countries and
the general name 'fullerene' was given to these species formed by the
condensation of carbon vapour. They care also called bucky balls or tubes.
Another breakthrough came in 1990 when Kractechnor and Huffman found a
practical method for the production of fullereness in large quantities. They
passed an electric arc through graphite rod in an atmosphere of helium to
produce carbon root. The extraction of soot with an organic solvent gave a
soluble fraction which contained C60 in large quantity and smalle fractions of
C70 and other fullerenes. Then, C60 and C70 were isolated by chromatography.
C70 has the shape like a rugby ball. Carbon nanotubes are also produced by
electric arc evaporation of graphite which consists of cylindrical tubes formed
by graphite layers which are capped by fullerne like hemispheres. These
bucky balls have applications in catalysis, nanotechnology and lectronics.
Kroto calls C60 as 'the celestial sphere that fell on earth'.




28

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE LINKS
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boron_group
http://www.rsc.org/chemsoc/visualelements/pages/data/intro_groupiii_data.
html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_group
http://www.tulane.edu/~inorg/PDF%20Files/Group%2014%20Elements.pdf
chemistry.about.com/od/elementgroups/a/Carbon-Family.html



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