The acidic character of oxides of group 15, `N_2 O_3, P_2 O_3, As_2 O_3, Sb_2 O_3` (in this order)

Options

A. `N_2 O_3 lt P_2 O_3 lt As_2 O_3 lt Bi_2 O_3`
B. `P_2 O_3 lt Bi_2 O_3 lt As_2 O_3 lt N_2 O_3`
C. `Bi_2 O_3 lt As_2 O_3 lt P_2 O_3 lt N_2 O_3`
D. `As_2 O_3 lt P_2 O_3 lt N_2 O_3 lt Bi_2 O_3`

Answer

To determine the acidic character of the oxides of Group 15 elements, we will analyze the oxides `N_2O_3`, `P_2O_3`, `As_2O_3`, and `Sb_2O_3` in the order given.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Group 15 Elements**:
The elements in Group 15 are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), and Bismuth (Bi). The oxides we are considering are `N_2O_3`, `P_2O_3`, `As_2O_3`, and `Sb_2O_3`.

2. **Determine the Nature of the Elements**:
- Nitrogen and Phosphorus are non-metals.
- Arsenic and Antimony are metalloids.
- Bismuth is a metal.

3. **Understand the Trend in Acidic Character**:
- Non-metal oxides tend to be acidic.
- Metallic oxides tend to be basic.
- As we move down the group from Nitrogen to Bismuth, the non-metallic character decreases and the metallic character increases.

4. **Assess the Acidic Character of Each Oxide**:
- `N_2O_3` (Nitrogen Trioxide) is the oxide of a non-metal and is acidic.
- `P_2O_3` (Phosphorus Trioxide) is also acidic but less so than `N_2O_3`.
- `As_2O_3` (Arsenic Trioxide) is a metalloid oxide and has a lower acidic character than both `N_2O_3` and `P_2O_3`.
- `Sb_2O_3` (Antimony Trioxide) is more metallic and is less acidic than `As_2O_3`.

5. **Rank the Acidic Character**:
Based on the above analysis, the order of acidic character from highest to lowest is:
- `N_2O_3` > `P_2O_3` > `As_2O_3` > `Sb_2O_3`

6. **Conclusion**:
The acidic character of the oxides in the order given is:
- `N_2O_3` > `P_2O_3` > `As_2O_3` > `Sb_2O_3`

### Final Order:
- **Maximum Acidic Character**: `N_2O_3`
- **Next**: `P_2O_3`
- **Then**: `As_2O_3`
- **Least Acidic**: `Sb_2O_3`