Question

Compared to other group 16 elements, the anomalous behavior of Oxygen is due to:

• A. Small atomic size
• B. High electronegativity
• C. Both (A) and (B)
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both (A) and (B)

Among the Chalcogens, Oxygen shows considerable anomalies. For instance, Oxygen exists as a diatomic gas while the other chalcogens are all solids at room temperature and 1atm pressure. Further, oxygen forms strong and stable $p\pi -p\pi$ double bonds (as in the case of $O_2$ molecule) whereas the other elements tend not to. Also, the Oxygen - Oxygen single bond is weaker compared to the Element - Element single bonds of other chalcogens.

All this can be attributed to the small atomic size and high electro negativity of Oxygen.