Regarding the hydrides of group 15 elements $$EH_{3}$$(E = N, P, As, Sb), select the correct statement from the following:
A. The stability of hydrides decreases down the group.
B. The basicity of hydrides decreases down the group.
C. The reducing character increases down the group.
D. The boiling point increases down the group.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

We examine each statement about hydrides of Group 15 elements ($$NH_3, PH_3, AsH_3, SbH_3$$):

A. Stability decreases down the group. As we go down the group, the E-H bond length increases and bond strength decreases, making hydrides less stable. The order of stability is $$NH_3 > PH_3 > AsH_3 > SbH_3$$. This is correct.

B. Basicity decreases down the group. The lone pair on the central atom becomes less available for donation as atomic size increases (the electron density decreases). Basicity order: $$NH_3 > PH_3 > AsH_3 > SbH_3$$. This is correct.

C. Reducing character increases down the group. As the hydrides become less stable, they can more easily donate hydrogen (or electrons), increasing their reducing power. $$BiH_3 > SbH_3 > AsH_3 > PH_3 > NH_3$$. This is correct.

D. Boiling point increases down the group. The boiling points are: $$NH_3$$ ($$-33°C$$, high due to H-bonding) > $$SbH_3$$ ($$-17°C$$) > $$AsH_3$$ ($$-55°C$$) > $$PH_3$$ ($$-87°C$$). The trend is not a simple increase down the group because $$NH_3$$ has anomalously high boiling point due to hydrogen bonding. From P to Sb, boiling point increases, but $$NH_3$$ breaks the trend. So the statement "boiling point increases down the group" is not strictly correct (it does not monotonically increase).

Correct statements: A, B, and C only.

The correct answer is Option A: A, B & C only.