Nitrogen forms $\mathrm{N}_2$, but phosphorus does not form $\mathrm{P}_2$, However, it forms $\math

Question

Nitrogen forms $\mathrm{N}_2$, but phosphorus does not form $\mathrm{P}_2$, However, it forms $\mathrm{P}_4$, reason is

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

Due to larger atomic size, phosphorus forms very weak $p\pi-p\pi$ bonds, preventing stable $\mathrm{P}_2$ formation.