Question

Phosphorus forms penta halide whereas nitrogen do not

Answer 1

Answer:

phosphorus can extend its covalency beyond 4 whereas nitrogen cannot

Answer 2

hey mate...

In the "old days" we would say that phosphorous could form hypervalent molecules because it had access to d-orbitals which could form sp3d hybridization, and that nitrogen couldn't because it had no d-orbitals. That turns out not to be the case. Chemists are now in agreement that the d-orbitals play no significant role in forming hypervalent molecules. Instead, we see 3-center, 4-electron bonding which accounts for the additional halide atoms which can bond with the central atom.

hope it helps you.. ☺☺☺☺