Give reasons for the following : (a) CN^(-) ion is known but CP^(-) ion is not known. (b) NO_(2) dimerises to form N_(2)O_(4) (c) ICl is more reactive than I_(2)

Give reasons for the following : (a) CN^(-) ion is known but CP^(-) i

1.	Give reasons for the following : (a) CN^(-) ion is known but CP^(-) ion is not known. (b) NO_(2) dimerises to form N_(2)O_(4) (c) ICl is more reactive than I_(2)
Answer» Solution :(a) DUE to smaller size and higher electronegativity of N than that of P, N can form `p pi - p pi` multiple bonds with C and hence forms `CN^(-)` ion. On the other hand, due to bigger size and lower electronegativity of P than that of N, P does not form multiple bonds with C and hence does not form `CP^(-)` ion. `underset(("EXISTS"))(.^(-):C -= N ":") ""underset(("Does not exist"))(.^(-): C - = P ":")` (b) `NO_(2)` is an odd electron (7 + 8 + 8 = 23 electrons) species with the odd electron present on the N ATOM. In order to become more stable, the two odd electrons PAIR up to form a dimer. (c) The extent of overlapping between orbitals of DIFFERENT halogen atoms is less effective than between orbitals of the same halogen. As a result, I-Cl bond is weaker than Cl-Cl and I-I bonds. In other words, ICl is more reactive than `I_(2)`.