Nitrogen Vs Phosphorus
Nitrogen forms strong π multiple bonds readily while phosphorus does not because nitrogen:
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- p-block elements
- Topic
- nitrogen vs phosphorus
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Has small size allowing p–p overlap
- Size and Overlap: Nitrogen (N) is the smallest atom in Group 15. Its small size allows the atomic p-orbitals to come close enough for effective lateral overlap.
- Multiple Bonding: This robust overlap results in strong pπ2˘013pπ multiple bonds, leading to the stable N≡N (N2) gas.
- Phosphorus Case: Phosphorus (P) has a much larger atomic radius. The 3p orbitals are too diffuse and large to overlap effectively in a π fashion over that distance.
- Bond Preference: Consequently, Phosphorus prefers forming single σ bonds in tetrahedral structures (P4) rather than triple bonds.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter p-block elements, covering the topic of nitrogen vs phosphorus. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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