Question

Select the least basic compound among the following ?

• A. ${\mathrm{NI}}_3$
• B. ${\mathrm{NBr}}_3$
• C. ${\mathrm{NCl}}_3$
• D. ${\mathrm{NF}}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is A

${\mathrm{NI}}_3$

Explanation for the correct option:

Option(A):${\mathrm{NF}}_3$

• Nitrogen is known as a group $15$ element and has one lone pair of electrons and it readily reacts with halogens which are group 17 elements and can have up to 3 lone pairs of electrons.
• As the size of the halide ion increases the electronegativity of the halide ion decreases and the basic character increases.
• In case of $$N{F}_3$$ , Fluorine is the most electronegative among all the halogens and it will attract the lone pair of $\mathrm{N}$ atoms and thus the electrons will be less available for donation causing the compound to be least basic.
• Hence in the given cmpounds, the least basic will be$$N{F}_3$$

Explanation for the incorrect option:

Option(B):${\mathrm{NBr}}_3$

• ${\mathrm{NBr}}_3$is not considered as the least basic among the given compounds, and its basicity is higher than $$N{F}_3$$.
• Hence, the given option does not represent to the correct option.

Option(C):${\mathrm{NCl}}_3$

• ${\mathrm{NCl}}_3$ is not generally represented as the least basic among the given compounds, and its basicity is higher than $$N{F}_3$$.
• hence, the given option is the incorrect one.

Option(D):${\mathrm{NI}}_3$

• The$$N{I}_3$$compound is known as the most basic among the following as the atomic radii of iodine are greater than all the halogens.
• Hence, the given option does not correspond to the correct option.

Hence, the least basic compound among the given compound is ${\mathrm{NF}}_3$.