Phosphorus halides nitrogen hydrides

Of all the reactions studied, only the synthesis of nitrogen oxides and acetylene in arcs or plasma torches and that of ozone in glow and corona discharges are of major importance. In addition, a few small-scale preparations of inorganic compounds have been developed, e.g. synthesis of hydrazine and of hydrides and halides of silicon, germanium, tin, lead, phosphorus or arsenic 3> ... 

Discuss key features of Group 5A(15), especially patterns in oxidation state, oxide acidity, and hydride and halide structures and describe the nitrogen and phosphorus oxides and oxoacids ( 14.6) (EPs 14.48-14.58)... 

A survey of the hydrides, oxides, hydroxides, and halides highlights the network components. The hydrides of nitrogen and phosphorus emphasize the uniqueness of the lightest element. Unlike the polar ammonia, the nonpolar phosphine is a poor base and not capable of forming hydrogen bonds. Arsine is less stable than phosphine, and its decomposition is the basis of the criminological Marsh test for the presence of arsenic. 

Most reactions of bromine are highly exothermic which can cause incandescence or sudden increase in pressure and rupture of reaction flasks. There are a number of cases of explosions documented in the literature. (NFPA. 1986. Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials, 9th ed. Quincy, MA National Fire Protection Association) Reactions of liquid bromine with most metals (or any metal in finely divided state), metal hydrides, carbonyls and nitrides can be explosive. Many oxides and halides of nonmetals, such as nitrogen triiodide or phosphorus trioxide, react explosively or burst into flame in contact with liquid bromine. 

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