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Grade 12Inorganic Chemistry

Why does nitrogen show catenation property less than phosphorus?

Profile image of naveen
10 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of PRAPULPODISHETTI
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer10 Years ago
The single N-N bond is weaker than the single P-P bond due to high inter electronic repulsion of the non-bonding electrons in N2 owing to small  bond length. Therefore, the catination property is weaker in nitrogen  as compared to phosphorus.