How Can Phosphorus Form 5 Covalent Bonds?

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SUMMARY

Phosphorus can form five covalent bonds due to its ability to utilize the 3d orbital in addition to the 3s and 3p orbitals, as explained by valence bond theory. This hybridization allows phosphorus to achieve a pentavalent state, which is crucial in biological molecules such as DNA, RNA, and ATP. The energetic accessibility of the vacant 3d orbital facilitates the formation of these additional bonds, making phosphorus a key element in various biochemical processes.

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  • Understanding of valence bond theory
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  • Familiarity with the electronic configuration of phosphorus
  • Basic concepts of biochemical compounds like DNA and ATP
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My o-chem book says that phosphorus can have more than 4 covalent bonds. Why is this with respect to valence bond theory?
 
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I'd guess hybridization of the d orbital, but I haven't really much experience with chemistry.
 
consider the quantum level number 3 of phosphorous.

3s is full, 3p is half filled and 3d is vacant and energetically accessible.

in what way can you get 5 covalent bonds?
 
amolv06 said:
My o-chem book says that phosphorus can have more than 4 covalent bonds.

You are saying this like it's a surprise but the most important and ornery P chemistry is pentavalent, esp. bio., all the most important compounds like DNA RNA ATP comes into nearly everything.
 

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