Verified Solution • 2025–26 Session moderate

QJEEAdv08Chfb9f: JEE Advanced 2008 Chemistry - Class 12 JEEAdv08Chfb9f Solution: Among the following, the correct statement is :

Among the following, the correct statement is :

Multiple Choice Options

  • A Between NH 3_3 and PH 3_3 , NH 3_3 is better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies spherical 's' orbital and is less directional.
  • B Between NH 3_3 and PH 3_3 , PH 3_3 is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies sp 3^3 orbital and is more directional.
  • C Between NH 3_3 and PH 3_3 , NH 3_3 is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies sp 3^3 orbital and is more directional.
  • D Between NH 3_3 and PH 3_3 , PH 3_3 is better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies spherical 's' orbital and is less directional.

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

Both NH 3_3 and PH 3_3 have one lone pair of electron on it. The lone pair in case of ammonia occupy sp 3^3 orbital is directional.

Hence, the lone pair in case of ammonia is easily available and can be easily donated. But for PH 3_3 the lone pair of electrons occupy spherical s-orbital which is less directional and thus its lone pair is not easily available neither it can be donated easily.

Also the lone pair of electrons in sp 3^3 orbital has lesser s-character and less attracted by nucleus and available for easy donation than in PH 3_3 with pure s orbital, the lone pair in which lone pair are more strongly attracted by nucleus. As we go down a group, the p-character in bond pair increases and the s-character in lone pair increases.

Thus ammonia is a better base than PH 3_3 .

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