QUE : WHAT IS INERT PAIR EFFECT ?

ANS: the reluctance of participation of ns electrons of heavier elements in a chemical reaction is called inert pair effect.

CAUSE OF INERT PAIR EFFECT :we move down the group their is involvement of d and f orbitals as they have poor shielding effect so there is increase in effective nuclear charge on the outer electrons . this result in more nuclear pull on valence electrons . since s orbital is closest to nucleus so s electrons are maximum attracted by nucleus and decrease its reactivity in chemical reactions;.

CONSEQUENCES OF INERT PAIR EFFECT as we move down the group compounds occur in low oxidation states.

example :in boron family B,Al,Ga, mostly occur in high oxidation state that is +3 but In,Tl occur in +1 and +3oxidation state and for Tl +1 O.S. state is more stable than

inert pair effect on carbon family

+3 due to inert pair effect.