Explain the property of allotropy in Group 16 elements.
Answer»
All the elements of group 16 exhibit allotropy.
These elements exist in different allotropic modifications.
Oxygen exists as O2 and ozone O3.
Sulphur exists as α-sulphur, β-sulphur, γ-sulphur, homocyclic sulphur, plastic sulphur, etc. Rhombic sulphur (α sulphur) and mono-clinic sulphur (β sulphur) are the important allotropes. Both are non-metallic in nature.
Selenium exists in two allotropic forms red (nonmetallic) and grey (metallic).
Tellurium exists in two allotropic forms crystalline form and the amorphous form.
Po has two forms namely α-form and β-form both being metallic.