Pnictogen group

Solid-state assemblies containing binary group 15/16 anions of the heavier pnictogens are also extremely well known, including the naturally occurring... 

Chart 1. Functional groups with chalcogen or pnictogen sites as donors to bismuth. 

Figure 9.16 Schematic structures of saturated group 13-pnictogen ring systems (only one resonance form is shown for the six-membered ring).

Scheme 9.15 Syntheses of saturated group 13-pnictogen rings by (a) salt elimination and (b) trimethylsilyl chloride elimination.

Information on the pnictogens, like the chalcogens and halogens, rapidly decreases down the group Thus, the following discussion will mainly centre on the phosphorus. However, by analogy, the arguments will usually be applicable to arsenic and, with less certainty, to antimony and bismuth. 

In compounds, the elements of group 15 (pnictogens, Pn) are typically found in either the -1-3 or - -5 oxidation state. Low oxidation state compounds are known for group 15 elements in the -1-2, - -1, 0, -1, and -3 oxidation states examples of compounds exhibiting common structmal types are shown in Figme 6. 

The lowest oxidation state, -3, having a ns np electron configuration, is found in transition metal complexes of ligand-free Pn anions. When a single Pn ion is attached to a metal, they are collectively referred to as pnictido ligands and form terminal metal-pnictogen triple bonds, which are known for all group 15 elements except bismuth. ... 

Elements in this group are sometimes called the pnicogens or pnictogens. 

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