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Chapter 20: Problem 10

Why are the tin(IV) halides more volatile than the tin(II) halides?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Tin(IV) halides are more volatile than tin(II) halides due to their covalent structure and weaker van der Waals dispersion forces, as opposed to the more ionic character of tin(II) halides which have stronger electrostatic forces. This difference in bonding character and intermolecular forces results in tin(IV) halides having a greater tendency to vaporize compared to tin(II) halides.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the meaning of volatility and its connection to intermolecular forces and lattice energies

Volatility refers to the tendency of a substance to vaporize at a given temperature and pressure. A more volatile substance has weaker intermolecular forces and lattice energies, as these are the forces that need to be overcome for the substance to vaporize.
02

Compare the oxidation states, sizes and charges of tin(IV) and tin(II) ions

Tin(IV) halides have the general formula SnX4, where tin has a +4 oxidation state and X is a halide ion (Cl, Br, or I). In contrast, tin(II) halides have the general formula SnX2, where tin has a +2 oxidation state. Tin(IV) ions are smaller and have a higher charge than tin(II) ions, in part because of the greater number of valence electrons being removed and due to the additional effective nuclear charge.
03

Discuss the impact of oxidation state, size, and charge on lattice energies

Lattice energy is the energy required to separate one mole of an ionic compound into its constituent ions in the gaseous state\. Lattice energy is directly proportional to the product of the charges of the ions and inversely proportional to the distance between them (radius). Since tin(IV) ions are smaller and have a higher charge than tin(II) ions, we might initially expect tin(IV) halides to have a higher lattice energy than tin(II) halides.
04

Investigate the structure of tin(IV) and tin(II) halides

However, the actual situation is more complex. Tin(IV) halides have a covalent structure rather than a purely ionic structure. This is because the difference in electronegativity between tin and halogens is not very large, and the small size and high charge of the tin(IV) ion results in a high degree of electron sharing between the tin and halogen atoms. In contrast, tin(II) halides have a more ionic character.
05

Compare the intermolecular forces in tin(IV) and tin(II) halides

The dominant intermolecular force in covalent molecules like tin(IV) halides is van der Waals dispersion forces, which are relatively weak. In contrast, the more ionic tin(II) halides have stronger electrostatic forces between the oppositely charged ions that hold the crystals together.
06

Conclusion - Compare the volatility of tin(IV) and tin(II) halides based on intermolecular forces and lattice energies

While we might initially expect tin(IV) halides to have a higher lattice energy due to their smaller size and higher charge, their actual covalent bonding character and weaker intermolecular forces make them more volatile than the more ionic tin(II) halides. In conclusion, the tin(IV) halides are more volatile than the tin(II) halides due to their covalent structure and weaker van der Waals dispersion forces.

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