pBlock ElementsII 1 Question 82

77. Give reason(s), why elemental nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule whereas elemental phosphorus is a tetra atomic molecule?

(2000, 2M)

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Solution:

  1. Nitrogen in $\mathrm{N}{2}$ are bonded by one sigma and two pi bonds. Phosphorus and other elements of this period, due to larger size, are very less likely to form pi bonds, hence $\mathrm{P}{4}$ is formed in which there is no pi bonds.