Read the following statements carefully: (I) The maximum covalency of nitrogen is restricted to 4 . (II) Nitrogen cannot form d - p bonds with heavier elements. (III) Nitrogen forms p - p multiple bonds with itself. (IV) Nitrogen has a higher tendency for catenation than phosphorus. How many of the above statements are correct?

Step-by-step solution

Statement (I) is correct. Nitrogen has only four orbitals (one 2s and three 2p) in its valence shell, so its maximum covalency is restricted to 4. Statement (II) is correct. Due to the absence of vacant d-orbitals in its valence shell, nitrogen cannot form d - p bonds. Statement (III) is correct. Because of its small size and high electronegativity, nitrogen effectively forms strong p - p multiple bonds with itself. Statement (IV) is incorrect. The tendency for catenation depends on the strength of the single bond.