Question

Why is the formation of ph 4 + difficult compared to nh4 plus?

Answer 1

Explanation:

The formation of PH4 + is difficult compared to NH4 + because (1) Lone pair of P is optically inert (2) Lone pair of P resides in almost pure p orbitals ...

Answer 2

Formation of PH(4+) is difficult compared to NH(4+) because the negative charge density on NH3 is greater than that in PH3.

• The negative charge cloud in NH3 is stronger than that in PH3 as NH3 is smaller in size and unlike PH3 cannot transfer its electons into the empty d-orbitals since there are no d-orbitals in NH3.
• So, the stronger netgative chrge cloud on NH3 makes it easier for addition of a proton in it to form NH(4+) as compared to PH(4+).