PCl_5 exists but NCl_5 does not because:

JEE Main Chemistry question

exists but does not because:

(A)Nitrogen has no vacant -orbitalsCorrect
(B) is unstable
(C)Nitrogen atom is much smaller than P
(D)Nitrogen is highly inert

Answer: (A)

Solution

Expanding beyond an octet (as needed for 5 bonds) requires the central atom to use energetically accessible -orbitals in its valence shell. Phosphorus (period 3) has accessible orbitals and can expand its octet, forming

See the full step-by-step solution

Create a free account to read the complete working, and practise questions like this in a timed test.

Create a free account

Question ID VK-133654