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InterviewSolution
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Why does the reactivity of nitrogen differ from phosphorus? |
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Answer» Nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule (N = N). Due to the presence of a triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms the bond dissociation energy is quite large (941.1 kJ mol-1). As a result, nitrogen is inert and unreactive in its elemental state. In contrast phosphorus exists as a tetraatomic molecule (P4). Since the P-P single bond is much weaker (213 kJ mol-1) than N = N bond. Therefore, phosphorus is much reactive than nitrogen. |
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