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Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMcMurry 8th EditionCh.22 - The Main Group ElementsProblem 22.95
Chapter 22, Problem 22.95

Give an example of an ionic carbide. What is the oxidation state of carbon in this substance?

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1
Identify the type of carbide: Ionic carbides are typically formed with metals from groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table.
Choose an example of an ionic carbide: Calcium carbide (CaC2) is a common example.
Determine the oxidation state of calcium: In CaC2, calcium is a group 2 metal, so it typically has an oxidation state of +2.
Set up the equation for oxidation states: The sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound must be zero. Therefore, for CaC2, the equation is: +2 (for Ca) + 2x (for each C) = 0.
Solve for the oxidation state of carbon: Rearrange the equation to find the oxidation state of carbon, x, in CaC2.

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Key Concepts

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

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. These oppositely charged ions attract each other, creating a stable ionic bond. Understanding ionic compounds is essential for identifying their properties and predicting their behavior in chemical reactions.
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Carbides

Carbides are compounds composed of carbon and a less electronegative element, often a metal. They can be classified into ionic, covalent, and metallic carbides, with ionic carbides typically containing carbon in a -4 oxidation state. Recognizing the type of carbide helps in determining the oxidation states of the elements involved.

Oxidation States

The oxidation state of an element in a compound indicates the degree of oxidation or reduction it has undergone. It is a useful concept for understanding electron transfer in chemical reactions. In ionic carbides, the oxidation state of carbon can vary, but in ionic carbides like calcium carbide (CaC2), carbon has an oxidation state of -4, reflecting its role as an anion.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Using the shorthand notation of Figure 22.9, draw the structure of the cyclic silicate anion in which four SiO4 tetrahedra share O atoms to form an eight-membered ring of alternating Si and O atoms. Give the formula and charge of the anion.

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Which of the following elements (X) will form a covalent hydride with the formula XH3 that is a gas at room temperature? (LO 22.4)

(a) Al (b) As (c) Ba (d) Se

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Suggest a plausible structure for the silicate anion in the mineral thortveitite, Sc2Si2O7.