Question:medium

Identify the electron rich hydrides from the following

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To quickly classify covalent hydrides, look at the group of the central atom. Group 13 \(\rightarrow\) deficient. Group 14 \(\rightarrow\) precise. Group 15, 16, 17 \(\rightarrow\) rich (due to lone pairs).
Updated On: Mar 26, 2026
  • B₂H₆, AlH₃
  • NaH, MgH₂
  • HCl, H₂S
  • CH₄, SiH₄
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding Electron Rich Hydrides: Covalent hydrides are classified into three categories based on the availability of valence electrons relative to the number of bonds formed:
Electron-deficient: Have fewer electrons than required for writing a conventional Lewis structure (e.g., Group 13 hydrides like \( \text{B}_2\text{H}_6 \)).
Electron-precise: Have the exact number of electrons required to form covalent bonds with all substituents (e.g., Group 14 hydrides like \( \text{CH}_4 \)).
Electron-rich: Have excess electrons present as lone pairs (e.g., Group 15, 16, 17 hydrides).

Step 2: Analyzing the Options: (A) \( \text{B}_2\text{H}_6 \), \( \text{AlH}_3 \): Group 13 elements. Electron-deficient. (B) \( \text{NaH} \), \( \text{MgH}_2 \): Ionic hydrides (s-block elements). (C) \( \text{HCl} \) (Group 17), \( \text{H}_2\text{S} \) (Group 16): These elements have lone pairs of electrons (Cl has 3, S has 2). Hence, they are electron-rich. (D) \( \text{CH}_4 \), \( \text{SiH}_4 \): Group 14 elements. Electron-precise.
Step 3: Conclusion: \( \text{HCl} \) and \( \text{H}_2\text{S} \) are electron-rich hydrides.
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