Related Formula
Inert pair effect Stability of (+n-2) oxidation state increases down the main p-block groups.$$\text{Inert pair effect} \implies \text{Stability of } (+n-2) \text{ oxidation state increases down the main p-block groups.}$$
Core Logic
Let's analyze the group 13 stability dynamics:
- Inert Pair Effect: Down Group 13, the reluctance of inner ns²$ns^2$ electrons to participate in bonding increases. Thus, for Thallium (Tl), the +1$+1$ oxidation state is significantly more stable than the +3$+3$ oxidation state (Tl^+ > Tl³⁺$\text{Tl}^+ > \text{Tl}^{3+}$). This validates statement (D). [cite: 1020, 1032]
- Because Tl³⁺$\text{Tl}^{3+}$ is highly unstable, it eagerly captures two electrons to reduce to Tl^+$\text{Tl}^+$, acting as a powerful oxidizing agent, verifying statement (A). [cite: 1020, 1023]
- Aluminum is small and highly electropositive. Its standard reduction potential is heavily negative (E⁰ = -1.66 V$E^0 = -1.66\text{ V}$), meaning Al³⁺$\text{Al}^{3+}$ resists reduction and remains highly stable in solution, validating statements (B) and (E). [cite: 1026, 1027, 1038]
Step 1: Eliminating Flawed Entries
Statement (C) states that both are highly stable in solution, which is false since Tl³⁺$\text{Tl}^{3+}$ is highly unstable and readily oxidizes surrounding species. Thus, the valid statements are (A), (B), (D), and (E) only.
Pattern Recognition
Inert pair shortcuts: For heavy p-block blocks (like Tl, Pb, Bi$\text{Tl, Pb, Bi}$), the lowest oxidation state (+1, +2, +3$+1, +2, +3$ respectively) is always favored over the maximum group valence. Consequently, their high-valence ions act as excellent oxidizers.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Chemistry: The p-Block Elements