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| 1. |
Explain, why NH_3 is basic while BiH_3 is only feebly basic. |
| Answer» Solution :Both N in `NH_3` and Bi in `BiH_3` have a lone pair of electrons on the central ATOM and hence should behave as Lewis BASES, But `NH_3` is much more basic than `BiH_3`. This can be explained on the basis of electron density on the central atom. Atomic size of N (70 pm) is much SMALLER than that of Bi (148 pm), therefore, electron density on the N-atom is much higher than that on Bi-atom. Consequently, the tendency of N in `NH_3` todenote its pair of electrons is much higher than that of Bi in `BH_3`. Thus, `NH_3` is much more basic than `BiH_3` | |