True or False: Nitrogen Family Oxidation States

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the oxidation states of the nitrogen family, specifically whether the only oxidation states exhibited are -3, 0, +3, and +5. Participants are exploring the validity of this claim and seeking clarification on potential additional oxidation states.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the statement regarding the oxidation states is false but is unsure why, indicating a lack of clarity on the topic.
  • Another participant prompts the discussion by asking about known nitrogen oxides, suggesting that there may be more oxidation states to consider.
  • A different participant mentions a method for determining oxidation states based on orbital stability but acknowledges uncertainty about its applicability to the nitrogen family.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there is uncertainty regarding the completeness of the oxidation states listed and the potential for additional states.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including missing assumptions about the definitions of oxidation states and the applicability of certain rules for determining them.

Jules18
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The question is True/False.

The only oxidation states exhibited by members of the Nitrogen family are: -3, 0, +3, +5

The answer is false, and I don't know why. All those oxidation #s seemed to make sense to me, and I couldn't think of any others.

Any thoughts as to why that's not true?
 
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What nitrogen oxides do you know?

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I'm used to figuring out oxidation by using that s2p3 thing and deciding what would make the orbitals more stable, but I've heard that they don't always obey those rules so other than that I'm clueless.
 

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