JEE MainChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
For the hydrides of Group 15 elements ( EH ₃ ), it is observed that the E-H bond dissociation enthalpy decreases significantly from NH ₃ to BiH ₃ . Which of the following pairs of property trends is primarily and directly explained by this decrease in bond enthalpy down the group?
Options
- AThe decrease in Lewis basicity and the decrease in thermal stability
- BThe increase in boiling point and the increase in reducing character
- CThe decrease in H-E-H bond angle and the decrease in Lewis basicity
- DThe decrease in thermal stability and the increase in reducing character
Correct answer
D. The decrease in thermal stability and the increase in reducing character
Step-by-step solution
The E-H bond dissociation enthalpy decreases down Group 15 due to the increasing size of the central atom E , which leads to less effective orbital overlap with the small 1s orbital of hydrogen. 1. Thermal stability depends directly on the strength of the E-H bond. As the bond dissociation enthalpy decreases, less energy is required to break the bond, causing thermal stability to decrease from NH ₃ to BiH ₃ . 2. Reducing character depends on the ease with which the hydride can release hydrogen. A lower E-H bond dis