JEE Main Chemistry question

Among the following statements, the correct statement about and is

(A) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies a spherical -orbital and is less directional
(B) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies an -orbital and is more directional
(C) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies an -orbital and is more directionalCorrect
(D) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies a spherical -orbital and is less directional

Answer: (C)

Solution

In , the small size of nitrogen allows efficient orbital mixing, so the lone pair occupies a well-hybridized, directional orbital that is readily available for donation, making the stronger base/electron donor. In , the larger phosphorus atom hybridizes less effectively, so

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Question ID VK-133411