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Ch.8 - Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding
Chapter 8, Problem 89c

Although I3- is a known ion, F3- is not. (c) Another classmate says F3- does not exist because it would violate the octet rule. Is this classmate possibly correct?

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Understand the octet rule: Atoms tend to form compounds in ways that give them eight valence electrons, achieving a noble gas configuration.
Consider the electron configuration of fluorine: Fluorine has 7 valence electrons and needs 1 more to complete its octet.
Analyze the formation of I3-: In I3-, iodine can expand its octet because it has d orbitals available, allowing it to accommodate more than 8 electrons.
Evaluate the possibility of F3-: Fluorine, being in the second period, does not have d orbitals and cannot expand its octet beyond 8 electrons.
Conclude that F3- would violate the octet rule because fluorine cannot accommodate more than 8 electrons, supporting the classmate's statement.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Octet Rule

The octet rule is a chemical guideline that states atoms tend to bond in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases. This rule helps predict the formation of stable molecules and ions. In the case of F3-, the classmate's assertion is based on the idea that fluorine, which has seven valence electrons, cannot accommodate more than eight electrons without violating this rule.
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Ionic and Molecular Species

Ionic species are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in charged ions, while molecular species are formed through covalent bonding, where atoms share electrons. I3- is a known polyatomic ion consisting of three iodine atoms, while F3- would imply a hypothetical ion with three fluorine atoms. Understanding the nature of these species is crucial in evaluating the stability and existence of such ions.
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Electron Configuration and Stability

Electron configuration refers to the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals, which influences its chemical properties and reactivity. Stability in ions and molecules often arises from achieving a full valence shell. In the case of F3-, the proposed configuration would lead to an unstable arrangement, as fluorine atoms would struggle to maintain a stable electron configuration while sharing or gaining additional electrons.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

A major challenge in implementing the 'hydrogen economy' is finding a safe, lightweight, and compact way of storing hydrogen for use as a fuel. The hydrides of light metals are attractive for hydrogen storage because they can store a high weight percentage of hydrogen in a small volume. For example, NaAlH4 can release 5.6% of its mass as H2 upon decomposing to NaH(s), Al(s), and H2(g). NaAlH4 possesses both covalent bonds, which hold polyatomic anions together, and ionic bonds. (c) Based on electronegativity differences, predict the identity of the polyatomic anion. Draw a Lewis structure for this ion.

Textbook Question

A major challenge in implementing the 'hydrogen economy' is finding a safe, lightweight, and compact way of storing hydrogen for use as a fuel. The hydrides of light metals are attractive for hydrogen storage because they can store a high weight percentage of hydrogen in a small volume. For example, NaAlH4 can release 5.6% of its mass as H2 upon decomposing to NaH(s), Al(s), and H2(g). NaAlH4 possesses both covalent bonds, which hold polyatomic anions together, and ionic bonds. (d) What is the formal charge on hydrogen in the polyatomic ion?

Textbook Question

Although I3- is a known ion, F3- is not. (b) One of your classmates says that F3- does not exist because F is too electronegative to make bonds with another atom. Give an example that proves your classmate is wrong.

Textbook Question

Calculate the formal charge on the indicated atom in each of the following molecules or ions: (a) the central oxygen atom in O3 (b) phosphorus in PF6- (c) nitrogen in NO2 (d) iodine in ICl3 (e) chlorine in HClO4 (hydrogen is bonded to O).

Textbook Question

The hypochlorite ion, ClO-, is the active ingredient in bleach. The perchlorate ion, ClO4-, is a main component of rocket propellants. Draw Lewis structures for both ions. (b) What is the formal charge of Cl in the perchlorate ion, assuming the Cl—O bonds are all single bonds?

Textbook Question

The hypochlorite ion, ClO-, is the active ingredient in bleach. The perchlorate ion, ClO4-, is a main component of rocket propellants. Draw Lewis structures for both ions. (c) What is the oxidation number of Cl in the hypochlorite ion? (d) What is the oxidation number of Cl in the perchlorate ion, assuming the Cl—O bonds are all single bonds?