Chapter 12: Problem 7

Discuss the classification of boranes. How are Wade's rules used to determine the structure of diboranes?

Short Answer

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Boranes are chemical compounds of boron and hydrogen, classified based on the number of boron atoms. Wade's rules, focusing on counting skeletal and terminal hydrogens, predict the structure of these compounds. In diboranes (B2H6), Wade's rules indicate a 6-vertex closo-structure with each boron atom bonded to four other atoms.

Step by step solution

Definition of Boranes

Boranes are chemical compounds of boron and hydrogen. They are part of a larger group of compounds known as boron hydrides. Boranes are generally unstable and reactive, although certain types are stable enough to be isolated and stored. They have various types – the simplest being diborane (B2H6)

Classification of Boranes

Boranes are classified based on the number of boron atoms they contain. These include Monoboranes, Diboranes, Tetraboranes, Pentaboranes, Hexaboranes, Heptaboranes and so on. Each group has unique structural and chemical properties.

Introduction of Wade's rules

Wade's rules, developed by the English chemist Kenneth Wade, are a set of rules used to predict the structure of boranes and other similar compounds. The rules focus on counting the number of skeletal and terminal hydrogens to predict the type of polyhedron the compound forms.

Application of Wade's Rules on Diboranes

In case of diboranes (B2H6), using Wade's rules, one can count 2 Boron atoms and 6 Hydrogen atoms. Two of the hydrogen atoms are bridging hydrogens (or B-H-B) and are not included in Wade's electron count. The remaining 4 hydrogen atoms along with 2 boron atoms, total up to 6 vertices implying structure of diborane is a 6-vertex closo-structure. In this structure, each boron atom is bonded to four other atoms (two borons and two hydrogens), creating a banana bond structure or multicentre bonds.

Conclusion

Thus, using Wade's rules, the structure of diboranes, as well as other boranes, can be predicted and understood. Wade's rules provide a simple and universal way to analyze and predict the structure of these types of compounds.

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Discuss the classification of boranes. How are Wade's rules used to determine the structure of diboranes?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of Boranes

Classification of Boranes

Introduction of Wade's rules

Application of Wade's Rules on Diboranes

Conclusion

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