NEETChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Which of the following statements regarding Group 15 elements and their compounds is incorrect?
Options
- ABiF₅ is the only stable pentahalide of bismuth.
- BThe covalency of nitrogen in N₂O₅ is 5.
- CPH₃ has a lower boiling point than NH₃ .
- DSb₂O₃ is amphoteric in nature while P₂O₃ is acidic.
Correct answer
B. The covalency of nitrogen in N₂O₅ is 5.
Step-by-step solution
Statement 1 is correct: Due to the strong inert pair effect, the +5 oxidation state of bismuth is highly unstable. However, BiF₅ exists as the only stable pentahalide because of the small size and high electronegativity of fluorine. Statement 2 is incorrect: The maximum covalency of nitrogen is restricted to 4 because it lacks d-orbitals in its valence shell. In N₂O₅ , the oxidation state of nitrogen is +5, but its covalency is 4. Statement 3 is correct: NH₃ has a higher boiling point than PH₃ because ammonia molec