Question
Question: \( P{H_3} \) forms bubbles when passed slowly in water but \( N{H_3} \) dissolves. Explain why?...
PH3 forms bubbles when passed slowly in water but NH3 dissolves. Explain why?
Solution
Phosphine ( PH3 ), commonly known as hydrogen phosphide, is a colourless, flammable, highly poisonous gas with a garlic-like odour. It is made up of two elements: hydrogen and nitrogen. It's known as ammonium hydroxide in its aqueous state. This inorganic chemical emits a strong odour. In its concentrated state, it is dangerous and caustic.
Complete answer:
As PH3 is insoluble in water and cannot form hydrogen bonds with it, it forms bubbles, whereas NH3 dissolves because it is soluble in water and can form hydrogen bonds with it.
Now, NH3 can form hydrogen bonds with water ( H2O ), making it totally soluble in water, whereas PH3 cannot form hydrogen bonds with water due to the larger size of phosphorus in comparison to nitrogen.
Additional Information:
Ammonia is used as a fertiliser in agriculture, which is one of its most important applications. Ammonia is commonly blended with agricultural soils in its anhydrous form (or occasionally in aqueous solutions or in the form of ionic salts) to boost the nitrogen content and thus the fertility of the soil. Higher crop yields and crop quality are frequently associated with this. Many essential chemicals, such as hydrazine and hydrogen cyanide, are synthesised using this molecule.
Note:
Non-aqueous ionising solvent liquid ammonia is the most investigated and well-known. The ability of this substance to dissolve alkali metals into highly coloured, electrically conductive solutions containing solved electrons is its most prominent attribute.