Group 16 Hydrides, Halides, Oxoacids, and Tricky Questions:
Hydrides:
Formula: H₂X (where X = O, S, Se, Te, Po)
Bonding: Covalent (with increasing ionic character down the group)
Properties:
Water (H₂O) is unique with strong hydrogen bonding.
H₂S, H₂Se, and H₂Te are toxic and foul-smelling gases.
Tricky Questions:
Why is water a liquid at room temperature while other hydrides are gases?
Explain the trend in boiling points of the group 16 hydrides.
Halides:
Formula: X₂Y (where X = O, S, Se, Te, Po; Y = F, Cl, Br, I)
Bonding: Covalent
Properties:
Vary in reactivity and volatility depending on the halogens.
Oxoanions like sulfate (SO₄²⁻) and selenate (SeO₄²⁻) are common.
Tricky Questions:
Compare the reactivity of the halides of oxygen to those of sulfur.
Explain the formation of oxoacids from halides.
Oxoacids:
Formula: H₂XO₄ (where X = S, Se, Te)
Bonding: Covalent with polar bonds.
Properties:
Strong acids with acidic properties.
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a highly corrosive and important industrial chemical.
Tricky Questions:
Explain the trend in acid strength of the oxoacids.
Discuss the oxidizing properties of oxoacids.
Key Points:
Electronegativity: Oxygen is highly electronegative, affecting bonding and properties.
Periodicity: Properties like acidity, reactivity, and bonding follow trends down the group.
Oxidation States: Group 16 elements exhibit various oxidation states, leading to diverse compounds.