Question

Which of the following element can show covalency greater than 4?
Options:a)Be
b)Li
c)P
d)B

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is (c) P.

Explanation:

• Phosphorus is an element of group 15 and lies in the p-block.
• The electronic configuration of phosphorus is $1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6}$.
• It has an empty 3-d orbital in which it can expand its octet.
• Its maximum covalency is 6, that is, it can make 6 covalent bonds.
• For example- $PF^{-}$. It makes 6 covalent bonds with fluorine atoms.

Conclusion:

Phosphorus (P) shows covalency greater than 4.