Question

Diagonal relationship of Be is with which element?

Answer 1

Diagonal Relationship Between Beryllium (Be) and Aluminium (Al):

Beryllium (Be) and Aluminium (Al) exhibit a diagonal relationship in the periodic table. This means that despite being in different groups and periods, they share several similarities in their chemical and physical properties. Here’s a detailed look at why they show this relationship:

• Electronegativity: Both Be and Al have nearly equal electronegativity values. Beryllium has an electronegativity of 1.57, while aluminium has an electronegativity of 1.61. This similarity in electronegativity influences their chemical behavior, making them behave similarly in certain reactions.
• Small Size: Both elements have a relatively small atomic size. Beryllium is smaller in size due to its position in the second period, while aluminium, although larger, is still considered a relatively small metal in the third period. Their small size contributes to their ability to form strong bonds and similar structural characteristics.
• Availability of Four Orbitals: Both Be and Al have four valence orbitals available in their respective outer shells, which allows them to form similar types of compounds, particularly in bonding.
• Amphoteric Oxides: Both beryllium oxide (BeO) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) are amphoteric in nature, meaning they can react with both acids and bases. This property is another indication of the similarity in their chemical behavior.
• Dimeric Halides: Both Be and Al form dimeric halides. For example, BeCl2 exists as a dimer, Be2Cl4, and AlCl3 also tends to form a dimeric structure in the vapor phase.

These similarities result from their comparable size, electronegativity, and orbital configurations, leading to their shared chemical characteristics despite being located in different groups in the periodic table.