Question

Why is phosphorus unusual compared to other group 15 elements? Select the correct answer below: A. There are compounds that contain phosphorus-phosphorus bonds with uncommon oxidation states. B. Phosphorus is relatively unreactive. C. Phosphorus only forms compounds where the oxidation number of phosphorus is 5+. D. Phosphorus is the most electronegative of the group 15 elements.

Answer 1

There are compounds that contain phosphorus-phosphorus bonds with uncommon oxidation states.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phosphorus is a member of group 15 in the periodic table. Its common oxidation States are -3 and +5. Phosphorus is believed to firm some of its compounds by the participation of hybridized d-orbitals in bonding although this is also disputed by some scientists owing to the high energy of d - orbitals.

Phosphorus form compounds having phosphorus-phosphorus bonds in unusual oxidation states such as diphosphorus tetrahydride, H2P-PH2, and tetraphosphorus trisulfide, P4S hence the answer.