--%>

Explain group 15 elements.

The various elements of this group differ from one another in their chemical reactivity. Nitrogen differs from the rest of the members of the group due to its smaller size, high electronegativity, high ionization enthalpy and non-availability of d-orbitals. Nitrogen is chemically comparatively less reactive. It is because of high stability of its molecule, N2 in which the two nitrogen atoms are linked by triple bond (N ≡ N) and thus, possess high bond strength (941.4 kJ mol-1).


Among the elements of this group only nitrogen has a unique ability to form p π-p π multiple bonds with itself as well as with carbon oxygen. The multiple bonding in nitrogen occurs due to its small size. Nitrogen, thus, forms a diatomic molecule, N2. On the other hand, phosphorus, arsenic and antimony form tetrahedral molecules in their elemental state with formula E4. Each P atom is linked to three other atoms with P - P - P bond angle equal to 60°. Though phosphorus and heavier members of the family do not form p π-p πmultiple bonds easily, yet the multiple bonding of the type d π-p π can readily occur in these elements. This type of bonding is prominent for the phosphorus as is reflected in the formation of compounds such as POX3RN = PX2R3P = O or R3P = CH2 (R = alkylgroup).

Phosphorus and arsenic can form d π-p π bond also with transition metals their compounds like P(C2H3) and As(C6H5)3 an actas ligands. Recently, a few compounds of phosphorus and arsenic having multiple bonding like P = C, P ≡ C, P = N, P = P and As = Asgroups have been synthesized.

The common chemical characteristics of group 15 elements are discussed below:

Reactivity for hydrogen: the elements of group 15 form hydrides having the general formula EH3. All these are covalent in nature. These hydrides are listed below:

66_Group 15.png 

Reactivity towards halogen

All the elements of group 15 form two series of halides, i.e. trihalides and pentahalides of the type EX3 and EX5.

Nitrogen does not form pentahalides because of non-availability of the d-orbitals in its valence shell. Penta-halides are more covalent than trihalides. All these trihalides of these elements except those of nitrogen are stable. In case of nitrogen simply NF3 is known to be stable. The trihalides except BiF3 are predominantly covalent in character.

   Related Questions in Chemistry

  • Q : What are various structure based

    This classification of polymers is based upon how the monomeric units are linked together. Based on their structure, the polymers are classified as: 1. Linear polymers: these are the polymers in which monomeric units are linked together to form long straight c

  • Q : Coordination compounds discuss

    discuss practical uses of coordination compounds

  • Q : Cations Explain how dissolving the

    Explain how dissolving the Group IV carbonate precipitate with 6M CH3COOH, followed by the addition of extra acetic acid.

  • Q : Explain Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The

    The energies of both the outer and inner orbitals of atoms and molecules can be determined by photoelectron spectroscopy.Energy changes of the outermost or highest energy electron of molecules were dealt with here in a different passion. The energies of ot

  • Q : Product of HCl Zn Illustrate  the

    Illustrate  the product of HCl Zn?

  • Q : What are the chemical properties of

    Haloalkanes are extremely reactive category of aliphatic compounds. Their reactivity is due to the presence of polar carbon-halogen bond in their mole

  • Q : Electrochemistry ( electrolysis of

    1. Define Faraday's first law of electrolysis 2. define Faraday's second law of electrolysis

  • Q : Diffusion Molecular View When the

    When the diffusion process is treated as the movement of particles through a solvent the diffusion coefficient can be related to the effective size of diffusing particles and the viscosity of the medium.To see how the experimental coefficients can be treat

  • Q : Vitamines 7 enzyme cofactor what is the

    what is the relationship between vitamins and enzyme cofactors

  • Q : Entropy on molecular basis. The

    The equation S = k in W relates entropy to W, a measure of the number of different molecular level arrangements of the system.In the preceding developments it was unnecessary to attempt to reach any "explana