anomalous properties

Question

Which property makes oxygen anomalous in group 16?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

The first element of any group in the $p$-block (like Oxygen) shows behavior different from other members of its group.
- **Oxygen** is anomalous because of:
1. **Extremely Small Size**.
2. **High Electronegativity** (second only to Fluorine).
3. **Non-availability of valence d-orbitals**.
- This leads to peculiar behaviors such as the ability to form strong hydrogen bonds (unlike $S$), gas state at STP ($O_2$ vs $S_8$), and a maximum coordination number of 4.

Rank Guru

anomalous properties

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