Question

Explain why:

(1) Interhalogen compounds are more reactive than the related elemental halogens.
(2) Sulphur exhibits the tendency for catenation but oxygen does not.
(3) On being slowly passed through water, PH₃ forms bubbles but NH₃ dissolves.

Answer 1

(1)

This is because these are polar and have lower bond energies.

(2)

This is because of higher S - S bond energy `((213"kJ")/"mol")` as compared to O-O bond energy `((138"kJ")/"mol")`

(3)

This is because PH₃ is insoluble in water (HOH-bonds) but NH₃ is highly soluble in water due to H-bonds.