Amphigens are chemical elements with six valence electrons.
Anphigen is the chemical element that is part of the group composed of polonium , tellurium , selenium , sulfur and oxygen , all located in the same column of the periodic column.
It is an adjective that derives from amphigène . The etymology of the concept is associated with the ability of certain elements to create basic or acidic compounds . In its structure we find the prefix amphi- ("from both sides") and the lexical component genos ("to produce").
Overview
Amphigens are also known as chalcogens and have six valence electrons . Despite this, the property of each one can position it more towards the extreme of metals or towards that of non-metals, depending on its atomic number.
The set of antigens is called group 16 or oxygen group (for its first element), previously called group VI A. While the first three elements are non-metals (oxygen, sulfur and selenium), the remaining two are metalloids (tellurium and polonium).
Amphigens have to accept a pair of electrons to reach the electronic configuration that characterizes a noble gas . That is why they usually exhibit a negative oxidation state . However, as they descend in the group, lower ionization potentials and oxidation states are seen with values above zero, something more characteristic of metals . Among the different amphigens we find very different properties, something that can be noticed in their reactivity. This is because these elements are very varied, as we can see in the following section.
Examples
Three common examples of amphigens are oxygen, sulfur, and selenium. Regarding the first, we can say that, in its natural state, it is the most abundant element on Earth . This amphigen can be found free in the atmosphere ( O 2 ), combined in water ( H 2 O ) and giving rise to multiple oxosalts and oxides.
Oxygen is a gas that has no color, smell or taste. It is slightly soluble in water, in which it is 89 percent. Sulfur , meanwhile, can be found freely in volcanoes, for example, and combined in sulfides and sulfates . It is insoluble in water, but it can dissolve in organic products. It forms sulfur dioxide ( SO2 ), especially when found in fossil fuels that combust , where a blue flame is observed. It can be combined with metals and non-metals.
Selenium is a mineral that we find in nature, in almost all soils and in many rocks. In its pure state, we can see it in the form of hexagonal crystals, with metallic grayish tones, or in black. It is usually seen in combination with lead , copper , nickel , or silver minerals, or with sulfide.
Sulfur, one of the best-known amphigens
Uses
The uses of amphigens are multiple. If we focus on oxygen, it is used in medicine , as an oxidizing agent and to bleach paper. It also has applications in obtaining cement , in metal welding , in flights (both commercial and military) and in the field of diving .
Sulfur, on the other hand, is used to vulcanize rubber and in the production of gunpowder , sulfuric acid and different plastics. It is also used in areas such as dermatological medicine, cosmetics, and pharmacology .
Regarding selenium, it is usually used in the electronic industry, but it also serves as a nutritional supplement in the gastronomic field, for the production of pigments in various paints and plastics, in the manufacture of glass , as a nutritional additive for farm animals, for produce rubber, fungicides, pesticides, medicines and shampoos, among other applications.