Chemistry: The Molecular Science (5th Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285199049
ISBN 13: 978-1-28519-904-7

Chapter 6 - Covalent Bonding - Questions for Review and Thought - Topical Questions - Page 283b: 37c

Answer

The P-N bond is more polar. For P-H: Phosphorus receives the partial positive charge, and hydrogen receives the partial negative one. For P-N: Phosphorus receives the partial positive charge, and nitrogen receives the partial negative one.

Work Step by Step

According to the picture 6.8 (Page 263), the difference between the electronegativity of phosphorus and nitrogen (3.0 - 2.0 = 1.0) is greater than the same for phosphorus and hydrogen (2.1 - 2.0 = 0.1). Since that difference is proportional to the polarity of the bond, the P-N will be the more polar one. For P-H: The less electronegative one is phosphorus, so it will be the partial positive atom, and hydrogen will be the partial negative. For P-N: The less electronegative one is phosphorus, so it will be the partial positive atom, and nitrogen will be the partial negative.
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