Nitrogen is the first member of group 15 or VA of the periodic table. It consists of five elements nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) and bismuth (Bi). The elements of this group are collectively called pnicogens and their compounds as pniconides. The name is derived from Greek word “Pniomigs” meaning suffocation. Pniconide contain M^3– species.

(1) Electronic configuration