Based on electronegativity and bond polarization, which of the following covalent halides will under — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

During hydrolysis, the more electronegative atom attracts the $H^+$ from water, while the less electronegative atom attracts the $OH^-$. In $NCl_3$, Nitrogen is slightly more electronegative or sterically favored to accept $H^+$, forming $NH_3$ and leaving $Cl^+$ to bond with $OH^-$, yielding $HOCl$. In contrast, $PCl_3$ forms $H_3PO_3$ and $HCl$ because Cl is more electronegative than P.