Can phosphorus with outer electronic configureation `3s^2 3p^3 " form "PH_5`?

Explanation

Although P shows oxidation states of +3 and +5 , it cannot form `PH_(5)` . Due to high `Delta_(H-H)` (435.88 KJ `mol^(-1)`) and slightly negative `Delta`eg H(-73 KJ `mol^(-1)`) dihydrogen acts only as a weak oxidising agent. Therefore, it can oxidise P to +3 oxidation state but not to its highest oxidation state of +5 . Thus, P forms `PH_(3)` but not `PH_(5)`