Arrange the following ligands :- PPh3 , PMe3 , PH3 , P(OR)3 , PF3
a) in order of decreasing basicity towards H+
b) decreasing π acidity
Solution.
a) Decreasing basicity.
P(OR)3, PMe3, PH3, PF3, PPh3 . Because OR(alkoxide) is a strong electrons donating group,then after methyl(Me) group. F,Ph groups are electron withdrawing groups.Electrons donating groups increase the basicity and electrons withdrawing groups decrease the basicity.
b) Decreasing pi acidity
PP3, PF3,PH3, PMe3,P(OR)3. Because inPPh3, electrons are migrated into the benzene ring due to the resonance,hence phosphorus contains empty orbital in their valency and act as a Lewis acid and accepts the pi electrons from Lewis base.Similarly PF3.
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