Question

Can phosphorus with outer electronic configuration 3s23p3 form ph5

Answer 1

Answer:

Although phosphorus exhibits +3 and +5 oxidation states, yet it can not form PH5. Because of high ∆H–H and slightly negative ∆ e.g. H (electron gain enthalpy), dihydrogen acts only as a weak oxidizing agent. ... Hence P forms PH3 and not PH5.