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Chapter 14: Problem 2

Give reasons for the following: (a) \(\mathrm{NCl}_{3}\) is hydrolysed but \(\mathrm{NF}_{3}\) is stable. (b) \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\) is known but \(\mathrm{NCl}_{5}\), does not exist. (c) Bismuth shows mainly +III oxidation states. (d) Nitrogen shows-III oxidation state.

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) Due to the presence and absence of vacant d-orbitals respectively in Cl and F, NCl3 can be hydrolysed while NF3 remains stable. (b) PCl5 is able to form due to available d-orbitals in P, whereas NCl5 cannot exist as N lacks d-orbitals. (c) The tendency of Bismuth to show +III oxidation state is due to the inert pair effect. (d) Nitrogen displays -III oxidation state due to its high electronegativity and small size.

Step by step solution

01

Answer (a)

NCl3 is hydrolysed due to the presence of vacant d-orbitals in the chlorine atom, which allows it to expand its covalency beyond three, and hence, it forms bonds with the hydrogen atoms in water. However, NF3 is stable due to the high bond energy of the N–F bond and the absence of d-orbitals in the fluorine atom, making it unable to expand its covalency beyond one.
02

Answer (b)

In PCl5, five covalent bonds are formed by the phosphorus atom due to the presence of vacant d-orbitals. However, in the case of nitrogen, due to the absence of d-orbitals, it cannot expand its covalency beyond four and hence, NCl5 does not exist.
03

Answer (c)

Bismuth belongs to Group 15 elements which exhibit both +3 and +5 oxidation states. However, the +5 oxidation state is less stable consequently +3 is the common oxidation state of Bismuth. This is primarily due to the inert pair effect, which results in a reluctance of the ns2 electrons to participate in bonding.
04

Answer (d)

In Group 15, the stability of the -3 oxidation state decreases down the group due to increase in size and decrease in electronegativity. Nitrogen, being the first member of the group, is small in size and has high electronegativity so it shows -3 oxidation state by accepting three electrons to achieve the stable electronic configuration.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Discuss the comparative account of the properties of the trihalides of Group 15 elements.

Write balanced chemical equations for the following: (a) Action of conc. nitric acid on sugar (b) Action of zinc with very dilute nitric acid (c) Action of \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\) with ethyl alcohol (d) Action of hot conc. \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) with white phosphorus

Account for the following: (a) AgCI dissolves in ammonia. (b) White phosphorus is more reactive than red phosphorus. (c) \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) does not act as a reducing agent. (d) \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{3}\) is a stronger acid than \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{4}\).

Discuss the structure of the following: (a) \(\mathrm{HNO}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{4}\) (c) \(\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{PO}_{3}\) (d) \(\mathrm{PH}_{3}\) (e) \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\)

Discuss the oxidising action of dilute and conc. nitric acid with the help of suitable examples.
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