There are some deposits of nitrates and phosphates in the earth's crust. Nitrates are more soluble in water. Nitrates are difficult to reduce under laboratory conditions, but microbes do it easily. Ammonia, forms a large number of complexes with transition metals. Hybridization easily explains the ease of sigma donation capability of \(NH_3\) and \(PH_3\).

Phosphine is an inflammable gas, it is prepared from white phosphorus.

Among the following the correct statement is

A. Between \(NH_3\) and \(PH_3\), \(NH_3\) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupy spherical 's' orbital and is less directional.
B. Between \(NH_3\) and \(PH_3\), \(NH_3\) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies '\(sp^3\)' orbital and is more directional.
C. Between \(NH_3\) and \(PH_3\), \(PH_3\) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies '\(sp^3\)' orbital and is more directional.
D. Between \(NH_3\) and \(PH_3\), \(PH_3\) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupy spherical 's' orbital and is less directional.

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

B only

The correct statement is: B. Between \(NH_3\) and \(PH_3\), \(NH_3\) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons occupies '\(sp^3\)' orbital and is more directional.

In ammonia (\(NH_3\)), the central nitrogen atom forms three sigma bonds with three hydrogen atoms, and the lone pair occupies an \(sp^3\) hybrid orbital. This \(sp^3\) hybrid orbital provides more directional character to the lone pair of electrons.

In phosphine (\(PH_3\)), the central phosphorus atom also forms three sigma bonds with three hydrogen atoms, and the lone pair occupies an \(sp^3\) hybrid orbital. However, due to the larger size of phosphorus compared to nitrogen, the lone pair in \(PH_3\) is more diffuse and less directional.

So, the correct statement is that \(NH_3\) is a better electron donor because the lone pair of electrons in \(NH_3\) occupies an \(sp^3\) orbital and is more directional. I appreciate your patience and thank you for pointing out the correction.