Question

Which one of the following elements does not form the compound, ${{M}_{4}}{{O}_{10}}$ (M = element)?

• A. P
• B. Sb
• C. Bi
• D. As

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Bi

Answer 2

The stability of higher oxidation states decreases down the group due to inert pair effect. Hence, bismuth pentoxide which is obtained by the action of strong oxidizing agents on $B{{i}_{2}}{{O}_{3}},$ is extremely unstable and loses oxygen to form trioxide. Therefore, $Bi$ does not form $B{{i}_{4}}{{O}_{10}}.$ .