Question

Among the following, the correct statement is
(1) Between $N{H}_3$ and $P{H}_3,N{H}_3$ is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies spherical 's' orbital and is less directional
(2) Between $N{H}_3$ and $P{H}_3,P{H}_3$ is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies $s{p}^3$-orbital and is more directional
(3) Between $N{H}_3$ and $P{H}_3,N{H}_3$ is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies $s{p}^3$-orbital and is more directional
(4) Between $N{H}_3$ and $P{H}_3,P{H}_3$ is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies spherical 's' orbital and is less directional

• A. Between $N{H}_{3}andP{H}_3,N{H}_3$ is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies spherical -- orbital and is less directional
• B. Between $N{H}_{3}andP{H}_3,P{H}_3$ is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies sps -orbital and is more directional
• C. Between $N{H}_{3}andP{H}_3,N{H}_3$ is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies sp3 -orbital and is more directional
• D. Between $N{H}_{3}andP{H}_3,P{H}_3$ is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies spherical -- orbital and is less directional

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$N{H}_3$ is stronger Lewis base than $P{H}_3$. In a group of hydrides,
basic strength decreases down the group.