Question

Which of the following elements can be involved in p$\pi -d\pi$ bonding?

• A. Carbon
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Phosphorus
• D. Boron

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

If there is bonding between two atoms where one atom is having one vacant orbital and another is having one lone pair of electrons, then if this electron pair is donated to that respective vacant orbital then the bonding is called $p\pi -p\pi$ or $p\pi -d\pi$ depending on the orbital to which the electron pair is donated and from which the electron pair is donated.

Nitrogen, Carbon, and Boron can not form $p\pi -d\pi$ bond because of the absence of d-orbitals in its valence shell. But Phosphorus can form $p\pi -d\pi$ bonds.