Question
Discuss the trends in chemical reactivity of group $15$ elements.

Answer

General trends in chemical properties of group $–15.$
  1. Reactivity towards hydrogen:
The elements of group $15$ react with hydrogen to form hydrides of type $EH_3,$ where $E = N,\ P,\ As,\ Sb,$ or $Bi.$ The stability of hydrides decreases on moving down from $NH3$ to $BiH_3.$​​​​​​​
  1. Reactivity towards oxygen:
The elements of group $15$ form two types of oxides: $E_2O_3$ and $E_2O_5,$ where $E = N,\ P,\ As,\ Sb$, or $Bi$. The oxide with the element in the higher oxidation state is more acidic than the other. However, the acidic character decreases on moving down a group.
  1. Reactivity towards halogens:
The group $15$ elements react with halogens to form two series of salts: $EX_3$ and $EX_5$.
However, nitrogen does not form $NX5$ as it lacks the d-orbital. All trihalides (except NX3) are stable.
  1. Reactivity towards metals:
​​​​​​​The group $15$ elements react with metals to form binary compounds in which metals exhibit $−3$ oxidation states.

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