Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P4. Why?

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Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P4. Why?

Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P_4. Why?

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Salim Ahmed Kawsar · Answer 1 · Feb 05, 2023 15:29:48

Nitrogen owing to its small size has a tendency to form pπ−pπ multiple bonds with itself. Nitrogen thus forms a very stable diatomic molecule, N_2. On moving down a group, the tendency to form pπ−pπ bonds decreases (because of the large size of heavier elements). Therefore, phosphorus (like other heavier metals) exists in the P₄state.

Salim Ahmed Kawsar · Answer 2 · Feb 05, 2023 15:29:48

Nitrogen owing to its small size has a tendency to form pπ-pπ multiple bonds with itself. Nitrogen thus forms a very stable diatomic molecule, N₂. On moving down a group, the tendency to form pπ-pπ bonds decreases (because of the large size of heavier elements). Therefore, phosphorus (like other heavier metals) exists in the P₄ state.

Salim Ahmed Kawsar · Answer 3 · Feb 05, 2023 15:29:48

Because of its small size and high electronegativity nitrogen forms Pπ – pπ multiple bonds. Therefore, it exists as a diatomic molecule having a triple bond between the two N-atoms. Phosphorus, on the other hand, has large size and lower electronegativity and usually does not form pπ – pπ multiple bonds with itself. Instead it prefers to form P – P single bonds and hence it exists as tetrahedral, P₄ molecules.

Nitrogen exists as diatomic molecule and phosphorus as P4. Why?

3 Answers