Oxidation states 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. 

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