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Why are pentahalides more covalent than trihalides ? |
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Answer» Solution :The elements of group 15 have five electrons (two in the s-and three in the p-orbitals) in their respective VALENCE SHELLS. Since it is difficult ot loss all the three electrons of form `E^(3+)` or even more difficult to lose all the five valence electrons (two s- and three p-) to form `E^(5+)` ions, therefore, higher elements have no TENDENCY to form ionic COMPOUNDS. Instead they form COVALENT compounds by sharing of electrons. Since elements in the +5 oxidation state have less tendency to loss electrons than in the +3 oxidation state, therefore, elements in the +5 oxidation state are more covalent than in the +3 oxidation state. In other words, pentahalides are more covalent than trihalides. |
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