Multiple choice

Which of the following represents the correct order of reducing character of hydrides of group 15 elements?

  1. NH3 < PH3 < AsH3 < SbH3 < BiH3

  2. PH3 < NH3 < AsH3 < SbH3 < BiH3

  3. NH3 < PH3 < BiH3 < AsH3 < SbH3

  4. BiH3 < PH3 < AsH3 < SbH3 < NH3

  5. BiH3 < SbH3 < AsH3 < PH3 < NH3
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A Correct answer
Explanation

As we move down a group, the atomic size increases and the stability of the hydrides of group 15 elements decreases. Since the stability of hydrides decreases on moving from NH3 to BiH3, the reducing character of the hydrides increases on moving from NH3 to BiH3. Hence, the correct order of reducing character is NH3 < PH3 < AsH3 < SbH3 < BiH3.

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