What is the most stable monatomic ion formed from phosphorus

Subject : Chemistry

Question: What is the most stable monatomic ion formed from phosphorus?

Expert Verified Solution:

What is the most stable monatomic ion formed from phosphorus?

The most stable monatomic ion formed from phosphorus is the phosphide ion, represented as P3-. This ion is created when a phosphorus atom gains three additional electrons. Phosphorus, with its atomic number of 15, has five valence electrons. To achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the noble gas argon, phosphorus tends to gain three electrons, completing its octet. The resulting P3- ion is stable because it mirrors the electron configuration of a noble gas, thereby achieving a lower energy state and greater stability. This process of gaining electrons and forming a negatively charged ion is common among nonmetals in the periodic table, including phosphorus.

By achieving a stable electron configuration through the formation of the P3- ion, phosphorus can effectively interact with other elements to form various compounds while maintaining a stable electronic state.

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