General electronic configuration and oxidation states of p – block elements (except noble gases)
Group
13
14
15
16
17
Electronic structure
ns
2
np
1
ns
2
np
2
ns
2
np
3
ns
2
np
4
ns
2
np
5
First element
B
C
N
O
F
Group oxidation state
+3
+4
+5
+6
+7
Other oxidation states
+1
+2, –4
+3, –3
+4, +2, –2
+5, +3, +1, –1