Question

The formation of $P{H}_4^{+}$ is difficult compared to $N{H}_4^{+}$ because:

• A. lone pair of phosphorous is optically inert.
• B. lone pair of phosphorous resides in almost pure p - orbital
• C. lone pair of phosphorous resides in $s{p}^3$ orbital
• D. lone pair of phosphorous in almost pure s - orbital

Answer 1

The correct option is D lone pair of phosphorous in almost pure s - orbital


According to Drago’s rule lone pair on phosphorous resides in almost pure – s – orbital, hence due to non – directional nature, its overlapping tendency is greatly reduced in comparison to a lone pair present in hybrid orbital, which is directional as present in