Chapter 22, Problem 69E

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The reason for not forming pentafluoride by nitrogen should be suggested.

Concept introduction:

In the group-15, the valence shell configuration of all elements is ${\text{ns}}^{\text{2}}{\text{, np}}^{\text{3}}$ hence they have 5 valence electrons with half-filled valence shell. The group-15 starts from nitrogen (N) and ended at Bismuth (Bi); nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi).Nitrogen is the first and smallest element of the group with ${\text{2s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{, 2p}}^{\text{3}}$ valence shell configuration. It exhibits anomalous behavior due to small size and high electro-negativity compare to other elements of the group.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The structure of ${\text{NF}}_{\text{3}}$ molecule should be rationalized using VSEPR theory.

Concept introduction:

VSEPR is the theory purposed to explain the geometry of those molecules mainly which have lone pairs on the central atom as due to presence of lone pair and bond pairs, the repulsion plays important role in the determination of molecular geometry of the molecule.