Regarding the hydrides of group 15 elements EH _ 3 ( E = N , P , As , Sb ), select the correct statement from the following: A. The stability of hydrides decreases down the group. B. The basicity of hydrides decreases down the group. C. The reducing character increases down the group. D. The boiling point increases down the group. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
D. A, B & C only
For group 15 hydrides EH_3 (N, P, As, Sb): Statement A is correct—stability decreases down the group as H-E bond strength decreases. Statement B is correct—basicity decreases as the central atom becomes less electronegative, making it less willing to share electron pairs. Statement C is correct—reducing character increases down the group as the hydrides become easier to oxidize. Statement D is incorrect—boiling points do not consistently increase; NH₃ is anomalously high (-33°C) due to strong hydrogen bonding, but PH₃ (-87°C) is lower, and the trend is irregular. Therefore, A, B & C only are correct.
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