Maximum covalency of nitrogen is ………. .

Options

A. 3
B. 5
C. 4
D. 6

Explanation

To determine the maximum covalency of nitrogen, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Covalency
Covalency refers to the number of shared pairs of electrons between atoms in a molecule. For nitrogen, we need to determine how many pairs of electrons it can share with other atoms.

**Hint:** Covalency is related to the number of bonds an atom can form by sharing electrons.

### Step 2: Analyze the Valence Electrons of Nitrogen
Nitrogen is in group 15 of the periodic table and has 5 valence electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration, nitrogen can share its electrons with other atoms.

**Hint:** The number of valence electrons helps determine how many bonds can be formed.

### Step 3: Determine the Maximum Covalency
The maximum covalency of nitrogen can be understood through its ability to form multiple bonds. Nitrogen can form:
- 1 single bond (2 electrons)
- 1 double bond (4 electrons)
- 1 triple bond (6 electrons)

However, nitrogen can also utilize its lone pair of electrons to form additional bonds. In compounds like N2O5, nitrogen can effectively share up to 4 pairs of electrons.

**Hint:** Consider how nitrogen can use its lone pairs in addition to its valence electrons.

### Step 4: Example of N2O5
In the compound N2O5, nitrogen exhibits a maximum covalency of 4. The structure of N2O5 involves nitrogen forming double bonds with oxygen, which accounts for its maximum covalency.

**Hint:** Look at specific compounds to see how covalency is demonstrated in practice.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the maximum covalency of nitrogen is 4.

**Final Answer:** The maximum covalency of nitrogen is 4.