Question
Explain why both N and Bi do not form pentahalides while phosphorus does.
Solution
nitrogen electronic configuration 1s2 2s2 2p3. Nitrogen cannot increase its coordination number beyond four due to the absence of d-orbitals in its valence shell. Bismuth does not form pentahalides due to the inert pair effect. Phosphorus forms pentahalides because it has vacant d-orbitals to extend its octet.
