Which of the following compound(s) is/are explosive(s)?

Options

A. `NF_(3)`
B. `NCl_(3)`
C. `NB r_(3)`
D. `NI_(3)`

Answer

To determine which of the given compounds are explosive, we will analyze each compound based on their chemical properties and bonding characteristics.

### Step 1: Analyze NF3 (Nitrogen Trifluoride)
- **Bonding**: NF3 consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to three fluorine atoms. The size of nitrogen is small, and fluorine is also small, allowing for good overlap between the orbitals.
- **Stability**: The strong bonds formed due to good overlap make NF3 stable and not prone to decomposition or explosion.
- **Conclusion**: NF3 is **not explosive**.

### Step 2: Analyze NCl3 (Nitrogen Trichloride)
- **Bonding**: NCl3 consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to three chlorine atoms. Chlorine is larger than nitrogen, leading to weaker bonds due to poor overlap.
- **Oxidation State**: In NCl3, nitrogen has an oxidation state of +1. Chlorine, being more electronegative, can act as a strong oxidizing agent.
- **Reactivity**: The ability to oxidize nitrogen to form N2 (a stable molecule) indicates that NCl3 can release energy during this process.
- **Conclusion**: NCl3 is **explosive**.

### Step 3: Analyze NBr3 (Nitrogen Tribromide)
- **Bonding**: Similar to NCl3, NBr3 has nitrogen bonded to three bromine atoms. Bromine is also larger than nitrogen, causing weaker bonds.
- **Oxidation State**: In NBr3, nitrogen again has an oxidation state of +1. Bromine can also act as an oxidizing agent.
- **Reactivity**: The potential to oxidize nitrogen to N2 suggests that NBr3 can release energy, making it reactive.
- **Conclusion**: NBr3 is **explosive**.

### Step 4: Analyze NI3 (Nitrogen Triiodide)
- **Bonding**: NI3 consists of nitrogen bonded to three iodine atoms. Iodine is larger than nitrogen, resulting in weak bonds.
- **Oxidation State**: In NI3, nitrogen has an oxidation state of +1, and iodine can act as an oxidizing agent.
- **Reactivity**: The ability to oxidize nitrogen to N2 indicates that NI3 can also release energy during this process.
- **Conclusion**: NI3 is **explosive**.

### Final Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- **Explosive Compounds**: NCl3, NBr3, NI3
- **Non-explosive Compound**: NF3

### Summary of Results:
- NF3: Not explosive
- NCl3: Explosive
- NBr3: Explosive
- NI3: Explosive