Chemistry · Group 13 to Group 18 Elements
Which among the following group 15 element forms most stable pentavalent compoun
Which among the following group 15 element forms most stable pentavalent compound?
- A. Phosphorus
- B. Antimony
- C. Bismuth
- D. Arsenic
Step-by-step solution
Stability of +5 oxidation state in group 15 decreases down the group due to the inert pair effect. Phosphorus, being the lightest, forms the most stable pentavalent compounds like PCl5 and H3PO4. Heavier elements like arsenic, antimony, and bismuth show decreasing stability of pentavalent compounds, with bismuth(V) compounds being highly oxidizing and unstable.