(a) s-block elements: • The aqueous solutions their
oxides are acidic in nature.
Following are the properties of s-block
elements.
• All of the s-block elements are (c) d-block elements:
unified by the fact that their
valence electrons (outermost
• Form stable complexes
electrons) are in an s orbital.
• Have high melting and boiling
• All of the s-block elements are
points
metals. In general, they are
shiny, silvery, good conductors • Contain large charge/radius
of heat and electricity and lose ratio
their valence electrons easily.
• Form compounds which are
• They lose their trademark s often paramagnetic
orbital valence electrons so
• Are hard and possess high
easily that the s-block elements
densities
are the most reactive elements.
• Form compounds with profound
catalytic activity
(b) p- block elements: • Show variable oxidation states
Following are the properties of p-block • Form coloured ions and
elements. compounds.
• They are solids/liquids/gases at
room temperature (Br is liquid) (d) f-block elements:
• They have variable oxidation
states
• They are usually heavy metals
• They form acidic oxides and called Inner-transition
elements.
• Generally, they form covalent
compounds • These elements have a generally
higher melting and boiling point
• Halogens form salts with alkali
metals • They display a variety of
oxidisation states
• They have high ionization
potentials. • These elements tend to form
coloured ions
• They have very large electron
gain enthalpies • They form complex compounds
