The valency of phosphorus is

The valency of phosphorus is

[amp_mcq option1=”2, 3″ option2=”3, 4″ option3=”4, 5″ option4=”3, 5″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2020
Phosphorus commonly exhibits valencies of 3 and 5.
Phosphorus is in Group 15 (VA). In compounds like PH₃ or PCl₃, phosphorus has a valency of 3, using its three unpaired p-electrons for bonding. Due to the presence of vacant d-orbitals, phosphorus can expand its valence shell and form five covalent bonds, as seen in compounds like PCl₅ or P₂O₅, where its valency is 5.
Phosphorus can also exhibit other oxidation states and valencies in specific compounds, but 3 and 5 are the most common valencies.