Question

Correct statements from the following are:
A. Nitrogen in oxidation states from \(+1\) to \(+4\) disproportionates in acid medium.
B. Nitrogen has the ability to form \(d\pi - p\pi\) multiple bonds with itself and other elements with small size and high electronegativity.
C. N-N single bond is stronger than P-P single bond.
D. Nitrogen has highest density in its group due to small size.
E. The maximum covalency of nitrogen is four since it has only four valence orbitals for bonding.

• A. B, C and D Only
• B. C, D and E Only
• C. A, C and E Only
• D. A and E Only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify correct statements regarding the chemical and physical properties of Nitrogen.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement A: In acidic medium, nitrogen species in intermediate oxidation states (\(+1\) to \(+4\)) are unstable and disproportionate (e.g., \(3HNO_2 \to HNO_3 + H_2O + 2NO\)). Correct.
Statement B: Nitrogen belongs to the 2nd period and lacks d-orbitals. It forms \(p\pi - p\pi\) multiple bonds, not \(d\pi - p\pi\). Incorrect.
Statement C: The N-N single bond is weaker than the P-P single bond because of high inter-electronic repulsion between non-bonding electrons in the small N atom. Incorrect.
Statement D: Density generally increases down the group in the periodic table. Nitrogen, being the first member, has the lowest density in Group 15. Incorrect.
Statement E: Nitrogen has only four orbitals in its valence shell (\(2s, 2p_x, 2p_y, 2p_z\)). It cannot expand its octet, so its maximum covalency is four. Correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements A and E are correct.