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The P-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH12006807

Explain why both N and Bi do not form pentahalides while phosphorus does.

Solution
nitrogen have electronic configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p3
thus it lack of d oribital. 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.