Textbook Question
Consider the hypothetical molecule B-A=B. Are the following statements true or false? (a) This molecule cannot exist. (b) If resonance was important, the molecule would have identical A–B bond lengths.
Ch.8 - Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding
Chapter 8, Problem 98b
The Ti2 + ion is isoelectronic with the Ca atom. (b) Calculate the number of unpaired electrons for Ca and for Ti2+.
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Identify the atomic number of calcium (Ca), which is 20. This means a neutral Ca atom has 20 electrons.
Determine the electron configuration of a neutral Ca atom. The electron configuration is: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s².
Count the number of unpaired electrons in the electron configuration of Ca. Since the 4s orbital is fully filled (4s²), there are no unpaired electrons in a neutral Ca atom.
Identify the atomic number of titanium (Ti), which is 22. A Ti²⁺ ion has lost 2 electrons, so it has 20 electrons, making it isoelectronic with Ca.
Determine the electron configuration of the Ti²⁺ ion. Since it is isoelectronic with Ca, it has the same electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s². Count the unpaired electrons, which are zero, as the configuration is the same as Ca.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Isoelectronic Species
Isoelectronic species are atoms or ions that have the same number of electrons and, consequently, the same electronic configuration. In this case, the Ti²⁺ ion and the Ca atom both have 20 electrons, making them isoelectronic. Understanding this concept is crucial for comparing their electron configurations and predicting their chemical behavior.
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Electron Configuration
Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. For calcium (Ca), the electron configuration is [Ar] 4s², while for titanium (Ti), it is [Ar] 3d² 4s². When titanium loses two electrons to form Ti²⁺, its configuration becomes [Ar] 3d², which is essential for determining the number of unpaired electrons.
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Unpaired Electrons
Unpaired electrons are those that occupy an orbital singly rather than in pairs. They play a significant role in determining the magnetic properties and reactivity of an atom. In the case of Ca, there are no unpaired electrons, while Ti²⁺ has two unpaired electrons in its 3d orbitals, which influences its chemical behavior and bonding characteristics.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
An important reaction for the conversion of natural gas to other useful hydrocarbons is the conversion of methane to ethane. 2 CH4(g) → C2H6(g) + H2(g) In practice, this reaction is carried out in the presence of oxygen, which converts the hydrogen produced into water. 2 CH4(g) + 12 O2(g) → C2H6(g) + H2O(g) Use Table 8.3 to estimate H for these two reactions. Why is the conversion of methane to ethane more favorable when oxygen is used? Why is the conversion of methane to ethane more favorable when oxygen is used?
Textbook Question
Two compounds are isomers if they have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms. Use Table 8.3 to estimate H for each of the following gas-phase isomerization reactions and indicate which isomer has the lower enthalpy. (d) Methyl isocyanide → Acetonitrile
Textbook Question
The Ti2+ ion is isoelectronic with the Ca atom. (c) What charge would Ti have to be isoelectronic with Ca2+ ?
Textbook Question
Consider the molecule C4H5N, which has the connectivity shown below. (a) After the Lewis structure for the molecule is completed, how many s and how many p bonds are there in this molecule?
Textbook Question
(c) Hydrogen peroxide is sold commercially as an aqueous solution in brown bottles to protect it from light. Calculate the longest wavelength of light that has sufficient energy to break the weakest bond in hydrogen peroxide.