p-Block Elements
The elements of groups 13 to 18, in which the outermost electrons progressively fill p orbitals.
Formula / equation
ns² np¹⁻⁶
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The p-block spans the whole range from metals through metalloids to non-metals and noble gases, and contains all the elements essential to organic life. Multiple oxidation states are common, and the inert-pair effect makes the lower oxidation state increasingly favoured towards the bottom of each group.
Examples in the real world
Carbon, nitrogen and oxygen from the top of the block; tin and lead showing the +2 inert-pair preference at the bottom.