Question

$N{F}_3$ is stable. But, $NC{l}_3$ is explosive. Identify the reason:

• A. $NC{l}_3$ undergoes hydrolysis whereas $N{F}_3$ does not.
• B. $NC{l}_3$ decomposes on heating and $N{F}_3$ does not.
• C. $NC{l}_3$ is a gaseous substance and $N{F}_3$ is liquid.
• D. $NC{l}_3$ undergoes sublimation while $N{F}_3$ does not.

Answer 1

The correct option is B $NC{l}_3$ decomposes on heating and $N{F}_3$ does not.

Nitrogen is smaller in size due to which it can accommodate only atoms which are smaller in size i.e Fluorine being smaller in size can form a better bond with Nitrogen whereas Cl being smaller in size form a unstable compounds. Secondly the better overlap between N-F make NF3 a stable compound as they both belong to same period due to which same shell is involved in overlap