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Answer by orthocresol for Why is the inversion barrier larger in PH3 than it...
Disclaimer: This answer neglects quantum tunnelling effects, which are significant in such compounds. The gist of it is that because nitrogen is smaller and lighter than phosphorus, the rate of...
View ArticleAnswer by Jan for Why is the inversion barrier larger in PH3 than it is in NH3?
Ammonia is the classic system for $\ce{sp^3}$ hybridisation save methane. The lone pair (and each of the $\unicode[Times]{x3C3}$-bonds) has almost $25~\%$ s-character which corresponds nicely to...
View ArticleAnswer by mcocdawc for Why is the inversion barrier larger in PH3 than it is...
Your question deals more with hybridization. First we have to note that $\ce{NH3}$ has a lot more hybridization than the other molecules with hydrogen of the group e.g. $\ce{PH3}$. This means for...
View ArticleWhy is the inversion barrier larger in PH3 than it is in NH3?
The inversion barrier in $\ce{NH3}$ is approximately $5~\mathrm{kcal~mol^{-1}}$ and that of $\ce{PH3}$ is $35~\mathrm{kcal~mol^{-1}}$. This has well-known stereochemical consequences in that amines are...
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