The formation of `PH_(4)^(+)` is diffficult compaired to `NH_(4)^(+)` because:

Options

A. lone pair of phosphorus is optically inert
B. lone pair of phosphorus resides in almost pure p-orbital
C. lone pair of phosphorus resides at `sp^(3)` orbital
D. lone pair of phosphorus resides in almost pure s-orbitals

Answer

D

Explanation

`overset(** **)(PH_(3))+H^(+) to PH_(4)^(+)`
According to Drago's rule lone pair on phosphorus resides in almost pure s-orbital, hence due to non-directional nature, its overlapping tendency is greatly reduced in comparison to a lone pair present in hybrid orbital, which is directional as presennt in `overset(** **)(NH_(3))`.