Which is stronger nh3 or ph3

Nitrogen is more electronegative than phosphorous, to the point where it has hydrogen- bonding interactions. Since opposite charges attract, the negative and positive ends of the molecules are drawn together by dipole-dipole interactions , making the molecules "stick" together and making it harder for them to separate and enter the gaseous state.

Both substances are structured the same way at the molecular level; one central atom with three hydrogen atoms and one unbonded electron pair. However, nitrogen is more electronegative than phosphorous, meaning that it has a stronger tendency to attract electrons.

This means that it will pull more strongly on the shared electron pairs with hydrogen atoms, making them slightly more positive, increasing dipole-dipole interactions making them strong enough to be considered hydrogen-bonds , and increasing the boiling point.

An easy way to compare electronegativity values is to look at the periodic table. Fluorine is the most electronegative element, with elements becoming less electronegative the farther away they get moving left or moving down from fluorine. Why is the boiling point of NH3 is greater than that of PH3?? This is an argument rationalizing phosphine's lower basicity than ammonia. At the end of the day, we are only trying to rationalize an observed phenomenon after the fact.

In spite all of our human ideas of orbitals, hybridization, etc, nature does as it pleases. Perhaps our models can offer a correct explanation and someone can interpret it better than I did which shouldn't be too difficult , but also for some phenomena we must realize that our models don't fit perfectly and there are exceptions to every trend. But let's not get bogged down in all that. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top.

Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Why is NH3 a stronger base than PH3? In the last member of the group, bismuth hardly forms any compound in —3 oxidation state. Because of the extra stable half filled p orbitals electronic configuration and smaller size, the ionization enthalpy of the group 15 elements is much greater than that of group 14 elements in the corresponding periods.

However, amongst the heavier elements, the different is not that much pronounced. Chapter Chosen The p-Block Elements. Book Chosen Chemistry I. Subject Chosen Chemistry. Book Store Download books and chapters from book store. Currently only available for. Class 10 Class The p-Block Elements. Switch Flag Bookmark. Write main differences between the properties of white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Properties White Phosphorus Red phosphorus 1.

Colour White but turns Dark red yellow on exposure 2. State Waxy solid Brittle powder 3.