Atomic properties nitrogen family elements

Bismuth, Bi, the 83rd element of the periodic table is the most metallic and the least abundant of the elements in the nitrogen family (group 15). It has an atomic mass of 208.980 and a ground state electronic configuration of [Xe] 4f 5d %s 6p. The bismuth atom usually utilizes the three 6p electrons in bond formation and retains the two 6s electrons as an inert pair, hence the oxidation state -1-3 exhibited by bismuth in the vast majority of its compounds. However, a variety of organobismuth compounds can contain the element in the -1-5 oxidation state. Coordination numbers are 2, 3,4, 5 and 6. Bismuth not only has metallic characteristics but also exhibits many properties similar to those of semiconductors and insulators. Consequently, it is often classified as a semi-metal or metalloid. Bismuth compounds are usually colorless unless the metal is bound to a chromophore. 

A second reason for the vast number of organic compounds is that carbon atoms can form stable bonds with other elements. Several families of organic compounds (alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and ethers) contain oxygen atoms bonded to carbon. Others contain nitrogen, sulfur, or halogens. The presence of these elements confers a wide variety of new chemical and physical properties on an organic compound. 

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