Knowra Pnictogen hydride Pnictogen hydride A binary compound containing hydrogen and a group 15 element: nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, or bismuth. These compounds range from ammonia and phosphine to heavier, less stable hydrides.
Pnictogen : An element in group 15 of the periodic table, including nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth. Each pnictogen supplies the nonhydrogen element in this compound family.
Lone pair : A pair of valence electrons localized on one atom and not shared in a covalent bond. A pnictogen lone pair influences molecular shape and can accept a proton.
Ammonia : The nitrogen hydride NH₃, a colorless gas and a major industrial feedstock. It is the most widely produced and used pnictogen hydride.
Nitrogen : A nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 7 and the largest share of Earth’s atmosphere. Its hydride ammonia is far more stable than the analogous heavier group 15 hydrides.
Hydrogen : The lightest chemical element, with one proton and one electron in its most common isotope. Hydrogen forms the bonds that define these binary compounds.
Trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry : A molecular shape with a central atom bonded to three atoms and carrying one lone pair. Ammonia and phosphine exemplify this shape among simple pnictogen hydrides.
Phosphine : The phosphorus hydride PH₃, a colorless, highly toxic gas. It is used in semiconductor processing and as a fumigant under strict controls.
Phosphorus : A reactive nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 15. Its hydride phosphine contrasts with ammonia in stability and basicity.
Group 15 : The periodic-table column containing nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, and moscovium. Its elements show systematic changes in hydride stability and bonding down the group.
Basicity : The tendency of a substance to accept a proton or donate an electron pair, depending on the definition used. The central atom’s lone pair makes some pnictogen hydrides proton acceptors.
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