The table below shows examples of species in each of the oxidation states given and indicates their relative stability.
The major features of the redox chemistry of Group 15 are summarised below.
- Excluding nitrogen, the pattern of most stable states is very similar to Group 13 and 14.
- All elements have negative oxidation states which are good reductants.
- Compounds containing positive oxidation states of nitrogen are good oxidants.
- Intermediate states (excluding N2) may undergo autooxidation-reduction. Three common examples are HNO2, NO2 and P4.
| | N | | P | | As | | Sb | | Bi |
| *most stable state | +5 (HNO3)
+4 (NO2)
+3 (N2O3)
+2 (NO)
+1 (N2O)
0* (N2)
-2 (N2H4)
-3 (NH3) | | +5* (H3PO4)
+3 (H3PO3)
+1 (H3PO2)
0 (P4)
-3 (PH3) | | +5* (H3AsO4)
+3* (H3AsO3)
0
-3 (AsH3) | | +5* (H3SbO4)
+3*
0
-3 | | +5
+3*
0
-3 |