Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.
(b) Is stable in the +1 oxidation state

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Identify the elements in group 3A (13) of the periodic table: Boron (B), Aluminum (Al), Gallium (Ga), Indium (In), and Thallium (Tl).

Understand that the oxidation state refers to the charge of an atom if all bonds were ionic.

Recognize that elements in group 3A typically exhibit +3 oxidation states, but some can also exhibit +1 oxidation states.

Consider the stability of the +1 oxidation state for each element.

Note that Thallium (Tl) is known to be stable in the +1 oxidation state due to the inert pair effect, which makes the +1 state more stable than the +3 state for heavier elements in this group.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Group 3A Elements

Group 3A (or Group 13) of the periodic table includes elements such as boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium. These elements typically have three valence electrons and exhibit a range of oxidation states, with +1 and +3 being the most common. Understanding the properties and behaviors of these elements is crucial for identifying which one is stable in the +1 oxidation state.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound, reflecting the number of electrons lost or gained. In the context of Group 3A elements, the +1 oxidation state is particularly relevant for elements like aluminum and thallium, which can lose one electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration. Recognizing how these oxidation states influence chemical behavior is essential for answering the question.

Stability of Oxidation States

The stability of an oxidation state refers to how likely an element is to remain in that state under standard conditions. For example, aluminum is stable in the +1 oxidation state due to its ability to form stable compounds, while other Group 3A elements may not exhibit the same stability. Understanding the factors that contribute to this stability, such as electronegativity and ionization energy, is key to identifying the correct element.