Which is the best explanation for phosphorus favoring formation of P4 over P2 molecules, while nitro โ Descriptive Chemistry Chemistry Question
Question
Which is the best explanation for phosphorus favoring formation of P4 over P2 molecules, while nitrogen forms only N2 molecules?
A.โ Correct
Phosphorus-phosphorus ฯ bonds are weaker than nitrogen-nitrogen ฯ bonds.
B.
Phosphorus can have an expanded octet while nitrogen cannot.
C.
The nonbonding electrons on phosphorus occupy an unhybridized s orbital while the nonbonding electrons on nitrogen occupy hybrid orbitals.
D.
The larger size of phosphorus allows the bonding electrons to be closer together.
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