Possible oxidation states of boron family elements are :

Options

A. `+1`
B. `+2`
C. `+3`
D. `+4`

Answer

To determine the possible oxidation states of the boron family elements (Group 13), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Elements in the Boron Family
The boron family consists of the following elements:
- Boron (B)
- Aluminum (Al)
- Gallium (Ga)
- Indium (In)
- Thallium (Tl)

### Step 2: Understand the General Electronic Configuration
The general electronic configuration of the boron family elements is:
- ns² np¹
This means that each element has three valence electrons (two from the s orbital and one from the p orbital).

### Step 3: Determine the Common Oxidation States
Given that these elements have three valence electrons, they can lose these electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration. Therefore, the common oxidation state is:
- +3 (by losing all three valence electrons)

### Step 4: Consider the Stability of Lower Oxidation States
As we move down the group from boron to thallium, the stability of the +1 oxidation state increases. This is due to the presence of the 4f orbitals, which provide a poor screening effect. This poor screening leads to a higher energy requirement to remove the outermost electron, making the +1 oxidation state more stable in heavier elements.

### Step 5: Summarize the Possible Oxidation States
Based on the analysis:
- The possible oxidation states for boron family elements are +1 and +3.

### Conclusion
Thus, the possible oxidation states of boron family elements are +1 and +3.

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