Chapter 21, Problem 4PS

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The highest oxidation state of antimony in its compound should be determined from the given oxidation states.

Concept introduction: The main group elements form chemical compounds in which the central atom has highest oxidation number. The highest oxidation number is always equal to the group number that the element has in the periodic table. Thus,  the oxidation number is determined by the position of the element in the periodic table.

If an element belongs to $\text{nA}$ group of periodic table, then it has $\text{+n}$ as highest oxidation number. This is because the highest oxidation number is equal to the group number.

These elements also form compounds in the other lower oxidation numbers apart from the highest oxidation number. These other oxidation numbers are as per the electronic configuration of the element and are determined by the number of electrons in the outer shell of each element.