Nitrogen and oxygen exist as diatomic but their congeners are `P_(4)` and `S_(8)` respectively because `:`

Options

A. phosphorus and sulphur are solids.
B. phosphorus and sulphur catenate due to the existance of `d-` orbitals and from strainless structures.
C. phosphorus and sulphur polymerise as soon as they are formed
D. catenation tendency of P and S is stronger because of the high `P-P` and `S-S` bond energies as compared to `N-N` and `O-O` bond energies

Answer

4

Explanation

N and O have ability to form `p pi - p pi` multiple obnds with it self on account of smaller size of atoms. `N-N` and `O-O` bond energies are less on account of repulsion between non`-` bonded pairs of electrons due to smaller size of atoms. `S-S` bond energy `(265 kJ mol^(-1))` is next to `C-C`.