Traditionally "inert," though heavier gases like Xenon can form compounds with highly electronegative atoms (e.g., XeF4cap X e cap F sub 4 4. Key Concepts to Master The Inert Pair Effect: Down Groups 13–16, the electrons become harder to remove. This explains why Lead ( ) prefers a +2 state instead of +4.

Used to predict the shapes of p-block molecules based on electron pair repulsion. Quick Summary Table Valence Electrons Common Oxidation State Alkali Metals ns1n s to the first power Alkaline Earth ns2n s squared Carbon Group ns2np2n s squared n p squared ns2np5n s squared n p to the fifth power

The ability to attract electrons. Fluorine is the king here. 2. The s-Block (Groups 1 & 2)

Increases across a period; decreases down a group.

"Salt-formers." Highly electronegative and exist as diatomic molecules ( F2cap F sub 2 Cl2cap C l sub 2

The bridge. Carbon is the basis of life; Silicon is the basis of technology.

Main Group Chemistry: A Primer Main group chemistry focuses on the (Groups 1 and 2) and p-block (Groups 13–18) elements . Unlike transition metals, these elements primarily involve the filling of