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S - Block Elements

S-block elements are those whose outermost electrons are in the s-orbital. They include alkali metals (Group 1) with one s-electron and alkaline earth metals (Group 2) with two s-electrons. Their properties vary predictably with increasing atomic number, such as ionization energy decreasing and atomic/ionic radii increasing down each group. Lithium and beryllium differ from other members of their groups but resemble the diagonal elements magnesium and aluminum, respectively, due to their small sizes and high charge densities.

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37 views5 pages

S - Block Elements

S-block elements are those whose outermost electrons are in the s-orbital. They include alkali metals (Group 1) with one s-electron and alkaline earth metals (Group 2) with two s-electrons. Their properties vary predictably with increasing atomic number, such as ionization energy decreasing and atomic/ionic radii increasing down each group. Lithium and beryllium differ from other members of their groups but resemble the diagonal elements magnesium and aluminum, respectively, due to their small sizes and high charge densities.

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S- BLOCK ELEMENTS

What are S-Block Elements?


The s-block elements having only one electron in their s-orbital are called group one or alkali
metals whereas the s block elements having two electrons filling their s-orbital are called group
two or alkaline earth metals.
The electrons present in an atom occupy various sub-orbitals of available energy levels in the order
of increasing energy. The last electron of an atom may find itself in either of the s, p, d and f
subshells. Accordingly, the elements of the atom having their last valence electron present in the
s-suborbital are called the s block elements.

Electronic Configuration of S-Block Elements


The electronic configuration of S-block elements is explained below,
The alkali elements in the s-block consist of a single valence electron in their outermost shell. This
outermost electron is loosely held which makes these metals highly electropositive. Due to which
they are not available in the free state in nature. The general electronic configurations of s block
elements – group 1 are as shown in the table below:
Element Symbol Electronic configuration

Lithium Li 1s22s1

Sodium Na 1s22s22p63s1

Potassium K 1s22s22p63s23p64s1
Rubidium Rb 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p65s1

Caesium Cs [Xe]6s1

Francium Fr [Rn]7s1
The electronic configurations of elements included in group 2 of S block elements are shown
below:
Electronic
Elements Symbols
configuration

Beryllium Be [He]2s2

Magnesium Mg [Ne]3s2

Calcium Ca [Ar]4s2

Strontium Sr [Kr]5s2

Barium Ba [Xe]6s2

Radium Ra [Rn]7s2
Properties of S-Block Elements
Both alkali and alkaline earth elements show a regular gradation in their properties among their
respective group elements. But the first member of both S block elements, namely, Lithium and
Beryllium differ much from the rest of their members but at the same time, they resemble more
with the diagonal element present in the next column.

The anomaly of these S-block elements is due to;


1. Low atomic and ionic size
2. Greater charge density (charge/volume of the atom)
3. Greater polarization
4. Absence of d-orbitals.
Greater polarization of s block elements makes the first element more covalent and differentiates
them from the rest which are ionic.
The similarity in size and charge density makes them resemble the element diagonally placed in
the next group (diagonal relationship).
It is observed that the physical and chemical properties of these s block elements change in a
particular trend as the atomic number of the elements increases. Changes in the various properties
of the group are as mentioned below:
Chemical Properties of S-Block Elements
a) Atomic and Ionic Radii
When the s block elements of the modern periodic table are observed it is seen that the size of the
alkali metals is larger compared to other elements in a particular period. As the atomic number
increases the total number of electrons increases along with the addition of shells.
On moving down the group the atomic number increases. As a result, the atomic and ionic radius
of the alkali metals increases.

b) Ionization Enthalpy
As we go down the group the size of the atoms increases due to which the attraction between the
nucleus and the electrons in the outermost shell decreases. As a result, the ionization enthalpy
decreases. The ionization enthalpy of the alkali metals is comparatively lesser than other elements.
c) Hydration Enthalpy
As the ionic sizes of the elements increase, the hydration enthalpy decreases. Smaller the size of
the ion the hydration enthalpy is high as the atom has the capacity to accommodate a larger number
of water molecules around it due to the high charge/radius ratio and hence gets hydrated.

Physical Properties of S-Block elements


 In the S block elements, the density of the alkali metals increases down the
group. Exception: the density of potassium is less than the density of sodium.
 The alkali metals have a low melting and boiling point due to the weak metallic bonding.
 Alkali metals and their respective salts have the capability to impart colour to the oxidizing
flame due to the heat generated from the flame which excites the valence electrons from
one energy level to another energy level. This helps in the detection of alkali metals during
the flame test.
Diagonal Relationship within S-Block Elements

A diagonal relationship in S block elements exists between adjacent elements which are located
in the second and third period of the periodic table. For example, Lithium of group 1A and second
period shows similarities with the properties of magnesium which are located in the 2nd group
and 3rd period.
Similarly, properties of beryllium which are located in the 2nd group and 2nd period show a
likeness with properties of aluminium which is located in the third period and third group. The two
elements which show similarities in their properties can be called a diagonal pair or diagonal
neighbours.
The properties of S block elements vary significantly when compared to the other elements of the
sub-group they belong to. The diagonal neighbours show a lot of similarities. Such a relationship
is exhibited as you move left to right and down the group; the periodic table has opposing factors.
For example, the electronegativity of the S block elements increases as we go across the period
and decreases as we go down the group. Therefore, when it is moved diagonally the opposite
tendencies cancel out and the value of electronegativity almost remains the same.
Similarities between Lithium and Magnesium
 The hardness of lithium and magnesium is higher than the other elements in their respective
groups.
 Chlorides of lithium and magnesium have the capability to be soluble in ethanol.
 They are lighter when compared to other elements in their groups.
 Lithium and magnesium react gently with water. The oxides and hydroxides are less
soluble.
 In the presence of nitrogen, lithium and magnesium form their respective nitrides.
 Superoxides are not formed when lithium and magnesium react with excess oxygen.
 Carbon dioxide and its respective oxides are formed when carbonates of magnesium
and lithium are heated.
Similarities between Beryllium and Aluminum
 Aluminium hydroxide and beryllium hydroxide react with excess alkali to form their
respective ions.
 Both these elements have the capacity to withstand the acid attack due to the presence of
an oxide film on the surface of the metal.
 Both these metals have the tendency to form complexes.
 Chlorides of both these metals possess the capacity to be soluble in organic solvents.

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