Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 20: Problem 86

Halogens form a variety of covalent compounds with each other. For example, chlorine and fluorine form the compounds CIF, \(\mathrm{ClF}_{3}\), and \(\mathrm{ClF}_{5}\). Predict the molecular structure (including bond angles) for each of these three compounds. Would you expect \(\mathrm{FCl}_{3}\) to be a stable compound? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The molecular structure of ClF is linear with a 180° bond angle, ClF3 is T-shaped with 90° bond angles, and ClF5 is square pyramidal with 90° bond angles. FCl3 is not likely to be a stable compound due to the electron configuration and periodic trends.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the central atom and valence electrons for each molecule

For each molecule, identify the central atom (the one with the highest valence) and the number of valence electrons. For ClF: Central atom is Cl with 7 valence electrons and F with 7 valence electrons. For ClF3: Central atom is Cl with 7 valence electrons and three F atoms, each with 7 valence electrons. For ClF5: Central atom is Cl with 7 valence electrons and five F atoms, each with 7 valence electrons.
02

Determine the electron pairs and molecular geometry

For each molecule, determine the number of electron pairs around the central atom and predict their molecular geometry using the VSEPR theory. For ClF: Cl is surrounded by one bonding electron pair (with F) and three lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, the molecular geometry is linear with a bond angle of 180°. For ClF3: Cl is surrounded by three bonding electron pairs (with F atoms) and two lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, the molecular geometry is T-shaped with bond angles of 90°. For ClF5: Cl is surrounded by five bonding electron pairs (with F atoms) and one lone pair. According to VSEPR theory, the molecular geometry is square pyramidal with bond angles of 90°.
03

Predict the stability of FCl3

FCl3 is not likely to be a stable compound due to the electron configuration and periodic trends. Fluorine is more electronegative than chlorine, and it is unlikely to form compounds where it has more than one bond. Additionally, fluorine has a smaller atomic size and can't accommodate more than one chlorine atom in its valence shell. Therefore, FCl3 is not expected to be a stable compound. In conclusion, the molecular structure of ClF is linear with a 180° bond angle, ClF3 is T-shaped with 90° bond angles, and ClF5 is square pyramidal with 90° bond angles. FCl3 is not likely to be a stable compound due to the electron configuration and periodic trends.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Discuss the importance of the \(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{Si}-\mathrm{Si}\) bond strengths and of \(\pi\) bonding to the properties of carbon and silicon.

Fluorine reacts with sulfur to form several different covalent compounds. Three of these compounds are \(\mathrm{SF}_{2}, \mathrm{SF}_{4}\), and \(\mathrm{SF}_{6}\). Draw the Lewis structures for these compounds, and predict the molecular structures (including bond angles). Would you expect \(\mathrm{OF}_{4}\) to be a stable compound?

What is nitrogen fixation? Give some examples of nitrogen fixation.

Use bond energies to estimate the maximum wavelength of light that will cause the reaction $$ \mathrm{O}_{3} \stackrel{\mathrm{h} \mathrm{m}}{\longrightarrow} \mathrm{O}_{2}+\mathrm{O} $$

One harmful effect of acid rain is the deterioration of structures and statues made of marble or limestone, both of which are essentially calcium carbonate. The reaction of calcium carbonate with sulfuric acid yields carbon dioxide, water, and calcium sulfate. Because calcium sulfate is marginally soluble in water, part of the object is washed away by the rain. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of sulfuric acid with calcium carbonate.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free