Main group elements (s-block and p-block elements) are extremely important in daily life.
1. Alkali Metals (Group 1: Li, Na, K, etc.)
- Sodium (Na): Table salt (NaCl), baking soda (NaHCO₃), soaps, detergents.
- Potassium (K): Fertilizers (KCl, K₂SO₄) for plants; important for body functions.
- Lithium (Li): Rechargeable batteries (Li-ion), mood-stabilizing medicines.
2. Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2: Mg, Ca, etc.)
- Calcium (Ca): Cement, plaster, bones, teeth, antacids.
- Magnesium (Mg): Lightweight alloys for cars and airplanes, fireworks, dietary supplements.
- Barium (Ba): X-ray imaging (barium meal).
3. Boron Group (Group 13: B, Al, etc.)
- Boron (B): Glass and ceramics, detergents, borax.
- Aluminum (Al): Foil, cans, kitchen utensils, airplane parts, lightweight construction materials.
- Gallium (Ga): Semiconductors, LEDs, solar panels.
4. Carbon Group (Group 14: C, Si, Sn, Pb)
- Carbon (C): Fuel, graphite (pencils), diamond (jewelry, cutting tools), activated carbon (filters).
- Silicon (Si): Electronics (chips), glass, concrete, silicones.
- Tin (Sn): Coating for steel cans, soldering materials.
- Lead (Pb): Batteries (though less now due to toxicity).
5. Nitrogen Group (Group 15: N, P, As, etc.)
- Nitrogen (N): Fertilizers (ammonia), food preservation (liquid N₂), airbags.
- Phosphorus (P): Fertilizers, matches, detergents, safety flares.
- Arsenic (As): Wood preservatives, semiconductors (less common today).
6. Chalcogens (Group 16: O, S, Se, Te)
- Oxygen (O): Breathing, water purification, steelmaking, medicine.
- Sulfur (S): Matches, gunpowder, fertilizers, vulcanized rubber.
- Selenium (Se): Electronics, glass coloring, dietary supplements.
7. Halogens (Group 17: F, Cl, Br, I)
- Fluorine (F): Toothpaste, Teflon, refrigerants.
- Chlorine (Cl): Disinfectants, swimming pools, PVC plastics.
- Bromine (Br): Flame retardants, photography chemicals.
- Iodine (I): Antiseptics, iodized salt, medicine.
8. Noble Gases (Group 18: He, Ne, Ar, etc.)
- Helium (He): Balloons, cooling superconducting magnets.
- Neon (Ne): Neon signs, advertising lights.
- Argon (Ar): Shielding gas in welding, light bulbs.
- Krypton (Kr) / Xenon (Xe): High-intensity lamps, flash photography.
Summary:
Main group elements are everywhere—in the food we eat, the products we use, medicines, electronics, construction, and even in the air we breathe. They form the backbone of modern life.