Plus Two Chemistry Notes Chapter 7 The p Block Elements

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Kerala Plus Two Chemistry Notes Chapter 7 The p Block Elements

The p-block – Elements of group 13 to 18 of the periodic table. The outer electronic configuration of a p-block element is ns²np^1-6.

Anomalous behaviour of the first element of a group: This is due to

1. Small in size
2. High electronegativity,
3. High ionisation enthalpy and
4. Non-availability of d – orbitals.

Diagonal Relationship:
In some cases, the first element of a group resembles diagonally with the element of the next group and of the next period.

Group 15 – Elements – Nitrogen Family:
Elements are – N, P, As, Sb, Bi
N₂ comprises 78% by volume of the atmosphere. N and P are essential constituents of animals and plants. N – Present in proteins, P – Present in bones.

Characteristics:
1. Atomic radii increases with increase in Atomic Number.

2. Ionisation Enthalpy decreases down the group due to gradual increase in atomic size. Because of the extra stable half-filled p orbitals electronic configuration and smaller size, the ionisation enthalpy is less than that of group 14 elements in the corresponding periods.

3. Electronegativity decreases down the group.

Physical Properties:
All are polyatomic, metallic character increases from N to Bi, density increases from N to Bi, M.P. and B.P. increases down the group, except N all other elements show allotropy.

Chemical Properties:
Oxidisation states and trends in chemical reactivity:
The common oxidation states of 15 group elements are (-3), (+3) and (+5). The stability of +5 oxidisation state decreases and that of +3 state increases down the group due to inert pair effect. Nitrogen exhibits +1, +2, +4 oxidation states also when it react with O₂.

The maximum covalence of N restricted to 4 since only 4 orbitals (one S and three P) are available for bonding.

Anomalous Properties of Nitrogen:
It is due to its small size, high electronegativity, high ionisation enthalpy and non-availability of ‘d’ orbitals. Nitrogen has unique ability to form pπ – pπ multiple bond. It cannot form dπ – pπ bond. P and A scan form dπ – dπ bond.

(i) Reactivity towards hydrogen:
EH₃ hydrides, the central atom is sp³ hybridised, molecules assume trigonal pyramidal geometry with a lone pair on the central atom. Stability-decreases from NH₃ to BiH₃.

This is because, down the group the E-H bond dissociation enthalpy decreases due to increase in size of the central atom. Consequently, reducing character increases from NH₃ to BiH₃. The basicity decreases in the order NH₃ > PH₃ > AsH₃ > SbH₃> BiH₃.

As the electro negativity of the central atom decreases on moving down the group, the bond pair-bond pair repulsion decreases. Hence the bond angle decreases in the order NH₃ > PH₃ > AsH₃.

(ii) Reactivity towards oxygen:
They form E₂O₃ & E₂O₅ type oxides. The oxide in the higher oxidisation state of the element is more acidic than that in lower oxidation state.

(iii) Reactivity towards halogens:
They form EX₃ and EX₅ type halides. Nitrogen does not form pentahalide due to non-availability of d-orbital.

(iv) Reactivity towards Metals:
They react with some metals exhibiting – 3 oxidation state, e.g. Calcium nitrate (Ca₃N₂), Calcium phosphide (Ca₃P₂), Sodium arsenide (Na₃As₂).

Dinitrogen (N₂):
It is produced commercially by the liquefaction and fractional distillation of air.
In laboratory, N₂ is prepared by

NH₄Cl(aq) + NaNO₂(aq) → N₂(g) + 2 H₂O(l)+ NaCl(aq)

Properties:
Colourless, odourless, non-toxic gas; inert at room temperature because of high bond enthalpy of N ≡ N.

Uses:
Manufacture of NH₃, liquid N₂ is used as refrigerant to preserve biological materials, food items and in cryosurgery.

Ammonia:
Laboratory preparation:
2NH₄Cl + Ca(OH)₂ → 2NH₃ + 2H₂O + CaCl₂
(NH₄)₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → 2NH₃ + 2H₂O + Na₂SO₄

Industrial (large scale) preparation by Haber’s process:
N₂(g) + 3H(g) ⇌ NH₃(g); Δ_fH^Ⓗ = -46.1 kJ/mol^-1 Catalyst used earlier- spongy iron with molybdenum promoter. Catalyst used now – iron oxide with small amounts of K₂O and Al₂O₃.

High pressure and low temperature will favour the formation of NH₃ as the forward reaction is exothermic and is accompanied by decrease in number of moles (Le Chatelier’s principle). Hence, a pressure of 200 × 10⁵ Pa (about 200 atm) and a temperature of ~ 700 K are employed to increase the yield of NH₃.

Properties:
Colourless, pungent smelling gas, trigonal pyramidal geometry, highly soluble in water.
NH₃(g) + H₂O(l) \(\rightleftharpoons\) NH⁺₄(aq) + OH^–(aq)
Lewis base – due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons on N. It can form complex compounds with metal ions. This finds application in the detection of
Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺.

Uses:
To produce various nitrogeneous fertilizers, manufacture of inorganic nitrogen compounds (e.g. HNO₃), liquid NH₃ is used as a refrigerant.

Oxides of Nitrogen:

1. Dinitrogen oxide (N₂O) or laughing gas – Oxdation state (+1) – Colourless gas, neutral.
2. Nitrogen monoxide(NO) – Oxdation state (+2) colourless gas, neutral.
3. Dinitrogen Trioxide(N₂O₃) – Oxdation state (+3), blue solid, acidic in nature.
4. Nitrogen dioxide(NO₂) – Oxdation state (+4) brown gas, acidic. It contains odd number of valence electrons. On dimerisation, it is converted to stable N₂O₄ molecule with even number of electrons.
5. Dinitrogen tetroxide(N₂O₄) – Dimer of NO₂ – Oxdation state (+4), colourless solid/liquid, acidic.
6. Dinitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅) – Oxdation state (+5), colourless solid, acidic.

Nitric Acid:
It is the most important oxoacid of N.
Laboratory preparation:
KNO₃/NaNO₃ + H₂SO₄(conc.) → KHSO₄/NaHSO₄ + HNO₃
Industrial preparation – Ostwald’s process:
(1) NH₃ oxidised to NO by air.

(2) NO is converted to NO₂
2NO(g) + O₂(g) ⇄ 2NO₂(g)

(3) NO₂ dissolved in water to give HNO₃
3NO₂(g) + H₂O(l) → 2HNO₃ (aq) + NO(g)

Properties:
Colourless liquid, strong acid in aqueous solution. Concentrated HNO₃ is a strong oxidising agent and attacks most metals except noble metals like Au and Pt. The products of oxidation depend upon the concentration of the acid, temperature and the nature of the material undergoing oxidation, e.g.

• 3Cu + 8HNO₃(dilute) → 3Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2NO + 4H₂O
• Cu + 4HNO₃(conc.) → CuCu(NO₃)₂ + 2NO₂ + 2H₂O
• 4Zn + 10HNO₃(dilute) → 4Zn(NO₃)₂ + 5H₂O + N₂O
• Zn + 4HNO₃(conc.) → Zn(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O + 2N₂O

Some metals (e.g., Cr, Al) do not dissolve in concentrated nitric acid because of the formation of a passive film of oxide on the surface.

Structure:
In the gaseous state, HNO₃ exists as a planar molecule.

Uses:
Manufacture ammonium nitrate (fertilizer), preparation of explosives, preparation of nitroglycerine, pickling of stainless steel, etching of metals, oxidiser in rocket fuels.

Phosphorus:
Allotropic forms – White P, red P and black P

White Phosphorus:
Transient white waxy solid, poisonous, insoluble in water, soluble in CS₂, glows in dark (chemiluminescence), kept underwater, less stable and therefore more reactive than other solid phases under normal conditions because of angular strain in discrete tetrahedral P₄ molecules (angle 60°), readily catches fire in air and gives dense while fumes of P₄O₁₀.
P₄ + 5O₂ → P₄O₁₀

Red Phosphorus:
Obtained by heating white P at 573 K in an inert atm for several days, possesses iron grey lustre, odourless, non-poisonous, less reactive than white P, does not glow in dark, polymeric consisting of chains of P₄ tetrahedra.

Black Phosphorus:
Obtained when red P is heated under high pressure, two forms α – black phosphorus (formed when red P is heated in a sealed tube at 803 K) and β – black phosphorus (prepared by heating white P at 473 K under high pressure).

Phosphine (PH₃):
Prepared by the reaction of calcium phosphide with water or dilute HCl.
Ca₃P₂ + 6H₂O → 3Ca(OH)₂ + 2PH₃
Ca₃P₂ + 6HCl → 3CaCl₂ + 2PH₃

Laboratory preparation:
By heating white P with con centrated NaOH solution in an inert atmosphere of CO₂.
P₄ + 3NaOH + 3H₂O → PH₃ + 3NaH₂PO₂

Properties:
Colourless gas with a rotten fishy smell, highly poisonous, weakly basic, the structure is similar to NH₃ and gives phosphonium compounds with
acids. PH₃ + HBr → PH₄Br
Uses: in Holme’s signals, in smoke screens.

Phosphorus Halides:
It forms two types of halids PX₃ and PX₅ (X = F, Cl, Br)

Phosphorus Trichloride (PCl₃):
Obtained by passing dry Cl₂ over heated white P.
P₄ + 6Cl₂ → 4PCl₃

Or, by the action of thionyl chloride on white P,
P₄ + 8SOCl₂ → 4PCl₃ + 4SO₂ + 2S₂Cl₂

Properties
Colourless oily liquid, hydrolyses in the presence of moisture giving fumes of HCl.
P₄ + 3H₂O → H₃PO₃ + 3HCl
It has pyrimidal shape and P is sp3 hybridised.

Phosphorus Pentachloride (PCl₅):
Preparation:
White P₄ + 10Cl_2(dry) → 4PCl₅

Properties:
yellowish white powder. In moist air it hydrolysed giving POCl₃ and finally gets converted to phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄)
PCl₅ + H₂O → POCl₃ + 2HCl
POCl₃ + 3 H₂O → H₃PO₄ + 3 HCl
In gaseous and liquid phases, the shape of the molecule is trigonal bipyramidal. There are two types of P-Cl bonds, equatorial bond and axial bond. Axial bonds are longer than equitorial bonds due to more repulsion. In solid state it exits as ionic solid, [PCl₄]⁺[PCl₆]^–.

Oxoacids of Phosphorus:

• Hypophosphorous/Phosphinic acid(H₃PO₂) – Monobasic
• Orthophosphorous/Phosphonic acid(H₃PO₃) – Dibasic
• Pyrophosphorous acid(H₄P₂O₅) – Dibasic
• Hypophosphoric acid(H₄P₂O₆) – Tetrabasic
• Orthophosphoric acid(H₃PO₄) – Tribasic
• Pyrophosphoric acid(H₄P₂O₇) – Tetrabasic
• Metaphosphoric acid(HPO₃)_n – Tribasic

The p-H bonds are not ionisable and have no role in basicity. Only those H atoms in P-OH form are ionisable and cause basicity.

These acids in +3 oxidation state of P tend to disproportionate to higher and lower oxidation states, e.g. Orthophosphorous acid on heating disproportionates to give orthophosphoric acid (P in +5 state) and phosphine

The acids with P-H bond .have strong reducing property, e.g. H₃PO₂. It reduces AgNO₃ to Ag.

Structure of Oxoacids:

Group 16 Elements (Chalcogens):
O, S, Se, Te and Po.

1. Occurrence:
O₂ – Most abundant element on earth crust (46.6%), dry air contains 21% by volume. S – Present as sulphates, sulphides (e.g. CaSO₄, PbS, ZnS). Se &Te-in metal selenides and tellurides, Po-radio active, formed by the decay of thorium and uranium minerals.

2. 6 General electronic configuration-ns²np⁴. In group:
Atomic and ionic radii increases, ionisation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity decreases – O has the highest electronegativity next to F.

3. Physical Properties:
O is a diatomic gas, non metal. S-solid, non-metal. Se and Te are metalloids. Po-radioactive metal.

4. Chemical Properties:
Oxidation states and trends in chemical activity – exhibits variable oxidation states, stability of -2 oxidation state decreases down the group. O-shows +2 in OF₂, -1 in peroxides and – 2 in other compounds. Other elements show +2, +4, +6 states.

5. Anomolous Behaviour of Oxygen:
It is due to small size high electronegativity, non availability of d-orbital and high polarising power.

(i) Reactivity with Hydrogen:
group 16 elements form H₂E type hydrids (E = O, S, Se, Te, Po). Their acidic character increases from H₂O to H₂Te due to decrease in H-E bond dissociation enthalpy. All hydride except H₂O posses reducing property. Reducing nature increases from H₂S to H₂Te.

Due to small size and high electro naegativity of oxygen, H₂O molecules are highly associated through hydrogen bonding resulting in its liquid state and high boiling point.

While, due to large size and low electronegativity of S association through hydrogen bonding is hot possible in H₂S. Hence it exists as a gas and has low boiling point than H₂O.

(ii) Reactivity with Oxygen:
They form EO₂ & EO₃ type oxides. Ozone, O₃ and SO₂ are gases. Both type of oxides are acidic in nature.

(iii) Reactivity Towards the Halogens:
They form EX₂, EX₄ and EX₆ type halides. The stability of halides decrease in the order F^– > Cl^– > Br > l^–

Dioxygen (O₂):
Preparation:
(i) Heating KClO₃, KMnO₄, KNO₃ etc.

(ii) Thermal decomposition of metal oxides.
2Ag₂O → 4Ag + O₂
2PbO₂ H → 2PbO + O₂

(iii) Decomposition of H202
2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂.

Large scale preparation:
Electrolysis of water, O₂ liberated at anode.

Properties:
Colourless, odourless gas; paramagnetic, directly reacts with nearly all metals except Au and Pt.

Simple Oxides:
Binary compound of O with another element, e.g. MgO, Al₂O₃. Basic oxide – oxide that combine with water give a base. e.g. MgO. Acidic oxide – oxide that combine with water to give acid, e.g. SO₂, CO₂.
SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃
In general, metallic oxides are basic and non-metallic oxides are acidic.

Ozone (O₃):
Allotropic form of O, too reactive, prepared by passing a slow dry stream of O₂ through a silent electrical discharge.
3O₂ → 2O₃
ΔH = +142 kJ mol^-1

Properties:
Pure O₃ is a pale blue gas, dark blue liquid and violet-black solid, thermodynamically unstable compared to O₂.

Oxidising property:
Due to the ease with which it liberates atoms of nascent oxygen 03 acts as a powerful oxidising agent.
O₃ → O₂ + [O]
e.g. It oxidises lead sulphide to lead sulphate.
PbS(s) + 4O₃(g) → PbSO₄(s) + 4O₂(g)

Estimation of O₃:
When O₃ reacts with excess of Kl solution buffered with a borate buffer (pH 9.2), l₂ is liberated which can be titrated against a standard solution of sodium thiosulphate.
2l^–(aq) + H₂O(l) + O₃(g) → 2OH^–(aq) + l₂(s) + O₂(g)

Uses:
As a germicide, disinfectant and for sterilising water; for bleaching oils, ivory, starch etc. as oxidising agent in the manufacture of KMnO₄.

Sulphur-Allotropic Forms:
Rhombic Sulphur (α – Sulphur):
yellow, insoluble in water, dissolve to some extent in benzene and alcohol, readily soluble in CS₂.

Monoclinic Sulphur (β – Sulphur):
Soluble in CS₂, needle shaped crystals.

Structure:
They exists as S₈ molecules, the S₈ ring is puckered and has a crown shape. The cylco-S₆ ring adopts a chair form.

Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂):
Preparation:
1. Burning of S in air
S(s) + O₂(g) → SO₂(g)

2. Treating sulphite with diluted H₂SO₄.
SO₃^2- + 2H⁺ → H₂O + SO₂

Properties:
Colourless gas with pungent smell, highly soluble water, when passed through water forms sulphurous acid.
SO₂(g) + H₂O(l) → H₂SO₃(aq)

React with NaOH:
2NaOH + SO₂ → Na₂SO₃ + H₂O

Other reactions:
3SO₂ + Cl₂ → SO₂Cl₂

Users:
In pertroleum refining and sugar industry, in bleaching wool and silk, in manufacturing H₂SO₄.

Oxoacids of Sulphur:
Sulphur forms a number of oxoacids such as H₂SO₃, H₂SO₄, H₂S₂O₃, H₂S₂O₇

Manufacture of Sulphuric Acid:
Sulphuricacid is known as king of chemicals. It is manufactured by Contact Process.

Steps Involved:
(i) Burning of S or Sulphide ores in air to form SO₂

(ii) Conversion of SO₂ to SO₃ by the reaction with O₂ in presence of V₂O₅ catalyst.

ΔH = -196.6 KJ mol^-1
Low temperature (720 K) and high pressure (2 bar) are the favourable conditions for maximum yield.

(iii) Absorption of SO₃ in H₂SO₄ to give oleum (H₂S₂O₇)
SO₃ + H₂SO₄ → H₂S₂O₈
Dilution of oleum with water gives H₂SO₄ of desired concentration. H₂S₂O₇ + H₂O → 2 H₂SO₄

Properties:
Colourless, oily liquid, dissolves in water with the evolution of large quantity of heat, dibasic acid, in aqueous solution, it ionises in two steps:
H₂SO₄(aq) + H₂O(l) → H₃O⁺(aq) + HSO₄^– (aq)
HSO₄^–(aq) + H₂O(l) → H₃O⁺(aq) + SO₄^2-(aq)
Concentrated H₂SO₄ is a strong dehydrating agent.

Uses:
Manufacture of fertilisers; petroleum refining; manufacture of pigments, paints, dyestuff; detergent industry; storage batteries; laboratory reagent

Group 17 Elements (Halogens): F, Cl, Br, I and At (radio active), highly reactive non-metallic elements.

1-6 Occurrence:
F-in fluorides (CaF₂, Na₃AIF₆). Sea water contains chlorides, bromides and iodides of Na & K, electronic configuration – ns²np⁵, in a group from top to bottom atomic and ionic radii increases, ionisation enthalpy decreases.

Electron gain enthalpy – halogen have maximum negative electron gain enethalpy. Cl has highest electron gain enthalpy. Electro negativity decreases down the group. F is the most electronegative element in the periodic table.

Physical Properties:
F₂, Cl₂ – gases, Br₂ – liquid and l₂ – solid. F₂ and Cl₂ react with water Br₂ and l₂ sparingly soluble in water.

Oxidation States and Trends in Chemical Reactivity:
All the halogens exhibit-1 oxdn. state. But, Cl, Br and I exhibit +1, +3, +5 and +7 also. They react with metals and non-metals to form halides. The reactivity of the halogens decreases down the group.

Anomalous Behaviour of Fluorine:
It is due to smaller in size, high electronegativity, low F-F bond dissociation enthalpy and non-availability of d-orbitals, due to which it cannot expand its octet. It exhibits only-1 oxidation state.

(i) Reactivity Towards Hydrogen:
All form hydrogen halides (HX) which dissolve in water to form hydrohalic acids. The acidic strength of acids:
HF < HCl < HBr < Hl .The stability of halides decreases down the group due to decrease in (H-X) dissociation enthalpy in the order: H-F > H-Cl > H-Br > H-l.

(ii) Reactivity Towards Oxygen:
They form many oxides but most of them are unstable. Fluorine form OF₂ and O₂F₂. Chlorine form oxides Cl₂O, ClO₂, Cl₂O₆ and Cl₂O₇, which are highly reactive oxidising agents, ClO₂ is used as a bleaching agent for paper pulp, textiles.

(iii) Reactivity Towards Metals:
Metal halides are formed,
e.g. Mg(s) + Br₂(l) → MgBr₂(s)

(iv) Reactivity of Halogens Towards Other Halogens:
Halogens combine amongst themselves to form a number of compounds known as interhalogens. Five types: XX’, XX3, XX’5, XX’7 where X is a halogen of larger size and X’ of smaller size.

Chlorine:
Preparation:
(i) By heating manganese dioxide with concentrated HCl.
MnO₂ + 4HCl → MnCl₂ + 2H₂O + Cl₂

(ii) By the action of HCl on KMnO₄.
2KMnO₄ + 16HCl → 2KCl + 2MnCl₂ + 8H₂O + 5Cl₂

Manufacture:
(i) Deacon’s Process – By oxidation of HCl gas by atm oxygen in the presence of CuCl₂ at 723K.

(ii) Electrolytic process
 (liberated at anode)

Properties:
Greenish yellow gas with pungent and suffocating odour, reacts with metal, and non metals

With excess NH₃, Cl₂ gives N₂ and NH₄Cl whereas with excess Cl₂, NH₃ gives NCl₃ (explosive) and HCl.

With cold and dilute alkalies chlorine produces a mixture of chloride and hypochlorite but with hot and concentrated alkalies it gives chloride and chlorate.

With dry slaked lime, it gives bleaching powder.
2Ca(OH)₂ + 2Cl₂ → Ca(OCl)₂ + CaCl₂ + 2H₂OCl₂ is a powerful bleaching agent.
Cl₂ + H₂O → 2HCl + [O]
Coloured substance + [0] → colourless substance

Uses:
For bleaching wood pulp, cotton and textiles; for the preparation of insectiside, pesticides and other organic solvents, e.g. CHCl₃, DDT, BHC etc.

Hydrogen Chloride (HCl):
Preparation:

HCl gas is dried by passing through a cone. H₂SO₄.
Properties :
Colourless and pungent smelling gas, soluble in water and ionises as follows:
HCl + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + Cl^–
It reacts with NH₃ to give white fumes of NH₄Cl.
NH₃ + HCl → NH₄Cl
It decomposes salt of weaker acids.
Na₂CO₃ + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H₂O + CO₂
NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂

Uses: manufacture of Cl₂, NH₄Cl and glucose; for extracting glue.

Oxoacids of Halogen:
Due to high electronegativity and smaller in size fluorine forms only one oxoacid, HOF known as fluoric acid or hypofluorous acid.

Some oxoacids of Chlorine:

• Hypochlorous acid: HOCl (Cl in +1 state)
• Chlorous acid: HClO₂ (Cl in +3 state)
• Chloricacid: HClO₃ (Cl in +5 state)
• Perchloricacid: HClO₄(Cl in +7 state).

Interhalogen Compounds:
Two different halogens react to form inter halogen compounds, e.g. ClF, ClF₃, BrF₅, IF₇

Preparation:
By the direct combination of halogens.

Properties:
Covalent molecules, diamagnetic, volatile solids or liquids at 25°C except ClF which is a gas. They are more reactive than halogens because X-X bond is weaker than X-X bond. Due to electronegativity difference the X – X bond is polarised, hence it is reactive.

Their stability increases as the size difference of the halogens increases due to increase in the polarity of the bond. e.g. IF₃ is more stable than ClF₃.

Group 18 Elements (Noble Gases):
He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe and Rn (radio active). Except He all other noble gas have 8 electrons in the valence shell. Due stable electronic configuration all these are gases and chemically unreactive, (exeption – Kr, Xe, Rn)

Occurrence:
All except Rn occur in the atmosphere. The main source of He-natural gas. Rn- obtained as a decay of product of Radium.

Electronic Configuration-ns²np⁶ (except He-1s² ), ionisation enthalpy-high due to stable electronic configuration-it decreases down the group, atomic radii-increases down the group, electron gain enthalpy-almost zero since no tendency to accept an electron.

Physical Properties:
Monoatomic, colourless, odourless and tasteless gases, sparingly soluble in water, very low melting and boiling points because the only type of interatomic interaction in these elements is weak dispersion forces.

Chemical Properties:
Least reactive due to stable electronic configuration, high ionisation enthalpy and more positive electron gain enthalpy.

N. Bartlett prepared Xe⁺PtF₆ by mixing PtF₆ and Xe.

(a) Xenon – Fluorine Compounds:
Xe forms three binary fluorides XeF₂, XeF₄ and XeF₆ by the direct reaction of Xe with F₂.

XeF₄^– also prepared by reaction with O₂F₂ and XeF₄. XeF₄ + O₂F₂ → XeF₆ + O₂

Structure:
(a) XeF₂ – sp³d hybridisation -linear
XeF₄ – sp³d² hybridisation – square planar
XeF₆ – sp³d³ hybridisation – distorted octahedral

(b) Xenon-Oxygen Compounds:
XeO₃: Prepared by hydrolysis of XeF₄ and XeF₆.
6XeF₄ + 12H₂O → 4Xe + 2XeO₃ + 24HF + 3O₂
XeF₆ + 3H₂O → XeO₃ + 6HF.
XeOF_4^–prepared by partial hydrolysis of XeF₆.
XeF₆ + H₂O → XeOF₄ + 2HCl

Structure:
XeO₃ – sp³ hybridisation – Pyramidal
XeOF₃ – sp³d² hybridisation – Square pyramidal

Uses of Noble Gases:
1. He – for filling airships, aeroplane tyres, in gas-cooled nuclear reactors, for providing an inert atmosphere in the welding of metals and alloys.

2. Ne – for filling discharge tubes and fluorescent bulb for advertisement purpose, in botanical gardens and greenhouses.

3. Ar – to provide inert atmosphere in high-temperature metallurgical processes, for filling electric bulbs, for handling air-sensitive substances in laboratory.

4. Xe and Kr – in light bulbs designed for special purposes.