Which of the following statements is true :

Options

A. Ammonia is the weakest reducing agent and the strongest base among Group 15 hydrides.
B. Ammonia is the strongest reducing agent as well as the strongest base among Group 15 hydrides.
C. Ammonia is the weakest reducing agent as well as the weakest base among Group 15 hydrides.
D. Ammonia is the strongest reducing agent and the weakest base among Group 15 hydrides.

Answer

A

Explanation

Ammonia is the weakest reducing agent and the strongest base among Group 15 hydrides (The reducing character of hydrides increases down the group due to decrease in bond dissociation enthalpy).
Explanation : Ammonia is a weakest reducing agent. This is because the size of nitrogen ion is small as compared to other group 15 elements, so the bond between nitrogen and hydrogen is very strong. Hence, it does not lose hydrogen easily. Also it is a strongest base among group 15 hydrides as the electron density on N/atom is higher, then the rest of group members.