Which of the following donor atoms is unlikely to be coordinated to a Group 1 cation?
A) O
B) N
C) P

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Group 1 cations, being highly electropositive, tend to form ionic bonds rather than coordinate bonds. However, when they do form complexes, the donor atoms are typically those with lone pairs that are less localized and thus more easily donated to the metal ion. Oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) atoms, being small with lone pairs that are relatively available for donation, can coordinate to Group 1 cations. Phosphorus (P), on the other hand, has its lone pairs more delocalized due to its larger size and lower electronegativity, making it less likely to act as a donor atom to Group 1 cations in coordination complexes.

Which of the Following Donor Atoms Is Unlikely to Be