Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R .…

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion A: PH3 has lower boiling point than NH3.
Reason R: In liquid state NH3 molecules are associated through Vander Waal's forces, but PH3 molecules are associated through hydrogen bonding.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

  1. Both A and R are correct and R is not the correct explanation of A
  2. A is not correct but R is correct
  3. Both A and R are correct but R is the correct explanation of A
  4. A is correct but R is not correct

Solution

The molecular formulas for ammonia and phosphine are NH3 and  PH3
, respectively. As we know, Nitrogen is more electronegative and smaller in size than phosphorus. Therefore, hydrogen bonding occurs in ammonia in comparison to phosphine. Hydrogen bonding is the force of attraction between hydrogen and an electronegative element which is smaller in size. In the case of phosphine, only weak van der waal’s forces of attraction exist between the molecules. Since hydrogen bonding is stronger than weak van der waal’s forces of attraction. Hence, ammonia has a higher boiling point than phosphine.
In all, we can say that hydrogen bonding is responsible for the higher boiling point of ammonia in comparison to phosphine.

N has small atomic size and high electronegativity. Hence, NH3 can form hydrogen bonds. P has large size and low electronegativity. Hence, PH3 cannot form hydrogen bonds.

Asked in: JEE Main 2024 (01 Feb Shift 1)

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