How Can Phosphorus Form 5 Covalent Bonds?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ability of phosphorus to form five covalent bonds, exploring this concept through the lens of valence bond theory and hybridization. Participants examine the underlying quantum mechanics and the implications for phosphorus chemistry, particularly in biological contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references their organic chemistry book, stating that phosphorus can form more than four covalent bonds and questions the reasoning behind this in terms of valence bond theory.
  • Another participant suggests that hybridization of the d orbital might explain the formation of five covalent bonds, although they acknowledge their limited experience in chemistry.
  • A different participant discusses the quantum level of phosphorus, noting that the 3s orbital is full, the 3p orbital is half-filled, and the 3d orbital is vacant and energetically accessible, prompting a question about how five covalent bonds can be achieved.
  • One participant reiterates the claim from their organic chemistry book, emphasizing the significance of pentavalent phosphorus in important biological compounds like DNA, RNA, and ATP.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and interpretation regarding phosphorus's ability to form five covalent bonds, with no consensus reached on the mechanisms or implications discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different aspects of phosphorus's electronic structure and its chemical behavior, but there are no detailed resolutions or clarifications of the assumptions made regarding hybridization and valence bond theory.

amolv06
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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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