Kalkogenfamilien

Kalkogenfamilien, also known as Group 16 of the periodic table, is a fascinating group of chemical elements. This family comprises oxygen (O), sulfur (S), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te), and polonium (Po). Oganesson (Og), a synthetic element, is also placed in this group, though its chemical properties are largely unknown. The name "chalcogen" originates from the Greek words "chalcos" meaning copper and "genes" meaning to form, as many copper ores contain these elements.

These elements share some distinct characteristics. They are generally nonmetals, with the exception of polonium, which exhibits metallic properties. Oxygen and sulfur are the most common and well-known members, playing crucial roles in Earth's atmosphere and biology. As you move down the group, the electronegativity decreases, and metallic character increases.

Chalcogens readily form compounds, particularly with metals, forming sulfides, selenides, and tellurides. Oxygen, being highly reactive, forms oxides with almost all other elements. The oxidation states of chalcogens are typically -2, but they can also exhibit positive oxidation states, especially when bonded to more electronegative elements like oxygen. Their physical states at room temperature vary from gases (oxygen) to solids (sulfur, selenium, tellurium, polonium).