Frequently Asked Question

Hydrides, halides, and organometallic compounds are all important classes of inorganic compounds. Hydrides are binary compounds containing hydrogen and another element. Halides are binary compounds containing a halogen and another element. Organometallic compounds contain a metal-carbon bond. The hydrides of group 15 (nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth) can be classified as follows:

Ammonia (NH3) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is a weak base and a good solvent. Ammonia is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, and other chemicals.

Phosphine (PH3) is a colorless, toxic gas with a garlic-like odor. It is a weak base and a good reducing agent. Phosphine is used in the manufacture of semiconductors and other chemicals.

Arsine (AsH3) is a colorless, toxic gas. It is a weak base and a good reducing agent. Arsine is used in the manufacture of semiconductors and other chemicals.

Stibine (SbH3) is a colorless, toxic gas. It is a weak base and a good reducing agent. Stibine is used in the manufacture of semiconductors and other chemicals.

Bismuthine (BiH3) is a colorless, toxic gas. It is a weak base and a good reducing agent. Bismuthine is used in the manufacture of semiconductors and other chemicals.
Tricky questions that arise

What are the bonding characteristics of the group 15 hydrides? The bonding in group 15 hydrides is predominantly covalent. However, the electronegativity difference between hydrogen and the group 15 element can lead to some ionic character in the bond.

Why are the group 15 hydrides more toxic than the group 14 hydrides? The group 15 hydrides are more toxic because they are more reactive and have a stronger tendency to form covalent bonds with biological molecules. This can lead to a variety of adverse effects, such as organ damage and death.

What are the trends in the properties of the group 15 hydrides? As you move down group 15, the hydrides become less stable and more toxic. This is due to the increasing size of the central atom and the weakening of the bond between the central atom and hydrogen.