Question

In which of the following $p\pi$ - $d\pi$ bonding is possible?

• A. $C{O}_3^{2-}$
• B. $P{O}_4^{3-}$
• C. $N{O}_3^{-}$
• D. $N{O}_2^{-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Carbon, oxygen and nitrogen atoms do not have any $d$ orbital available. Therefore, in $C{O}_3{}^{2-},N{O}_2^{-}$ and $N{O}_3$, there is no possibility of $p\pi -d\pi$ type of bonding.

In $P{O}_4{}^{3-}$ phosphorus atom has vacant $d$ orbital available which is used to form $p\pi -d\pi$ type of bonding with $p$ orbital of oxygen atom.