Question

Arrange the following hydrides in the increasing order of their reducing power:

• A. III < II < I < IV
• B. III < II < IV < I
• C. I < IV < II < III
• D. I < IV < III < II

Hint:

Reducing power of group 15 hydrides increases down the group due to weaker E-H bond strength.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Reducing power trend.
Reducing power increases down the group: NH\(_3\) < PH\(_3\) < AsH\(_3\) < SbH\(_3\).

Step 2: Order based on given hydrides.
\[ \text{NH}_3 < \text{PH}_3 < \text{AsH}_3 < \text{SbH}_3 \]

Step 3: Final conclusion.
The increasing order of reducing power is: \[ \boxed{\text{NH}_3 < \text{PH}_3 < \text{AsH}_3 < \text{SbH}_3} \]