inert pair effect is nothing put the inability of s electrons to participate in the reaction.
s electrons are not able to participate bcoz of strong hold of nucleus (high penetration effect) or por shielding effect of electrons
therefore
+3 state stability will be in the order
Bi>Sb>As
and vice-versa for +5 stability
more big the atom more poor the shielding effect...
catenation is nothing but the property of atom to form giant structures
rate me if dis infrmation is useful