The stability of the highest oxidation state of the chalcogens decreases with increasing atomic number.

Question

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The higher oxidation state of chalcogens (Group 16 elements) is determined by their electronic configuration. As the atomic number increases, the valence shell gets farther away from the nucleus, making it more difficult for them to gain the required electrons to attain the higher oxidation state. Therefore, the stability of the highest oxidation state decreases with increasing atomic number. For example, oxygen (+6) is more stable than sulfur (+6), and sulfur (+6) is more stable than selenium (+6).

The Stability of the Highest Oxidation State of the Chalcogens