Textbook Question
Arrange the following oxides in order of increasing basic character: Al2O3, Cs2O, K2O, N2O5.
Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 - Chemical Tools: Experimentation & Measurement170
- Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions160
- Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions169
- Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution199
- Ch.5 - Periodicity & Electronic Structure of Atoms102
- Ch.6 - Ionic Compounds: Periodic Trends and Bonding Theory92
- Ch.7 - Covalent Bonding and Electron-Dot Structures61
- Ch.8 - Covalent Compounds: Bonding Theories and Molecular Structure59
- Ch.9 - Thermochemistry: Chemical Energy122
- Ch.10 - Gases: Their Properties & Behavior155
- Ch.11 - Liquids & Phase Changes54
- Ch.12 - Solids and Solid-State Materials73
- Ch.13 - Solutions & Their Properties120
- Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics98
- Ch.15 - Chemical Equilibrium125
- Ch.16 - Aqueous Equilibria: Acids & Bases110
- Ch.17 - Applications of Aqueous Equilibria147
- Ch.18 - Thermodynamics: Entropy, Free Energy & Equilibrium86
- Ch.19 - Electrochemistry154
- Ch.20 - Nuclear Chemistry96
- Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry156
- Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements187
- Ch.23 - Organic and Biological Chemistry51
Chapter 22, Problem 22.96
Why are CO and CN– so toxic to humans?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that both CO (carbon monoxide) and CN– (cyanide ion) are toxic because they interfere with the body's ability to use oxygen effectively.
Recognize that CO binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells with a much higher affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Note that CN– inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain of mitochondria, preventing cells from using oxygen to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
Consider that the toxicity of both CO and CN– is due to their ability to disrupt cellular respiration, leading to cellular hypoxia and potential organ failure.
Remember that the symptoms of poisoning by these substances can include headache, dizziness, weakness, and in severe cases, can lead to death if not treated promptly.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Carbon Monoxide Toxicity
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells more effectively than oxygen. This binding forms carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to tissues, leading to hypoxia. The symptoms of CO poisoning can include headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, death.
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Cyanide Ion Toxicity
The cyanide ion (CN⁻) is highly toxic because it inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, an essential enzyme in the electron transport chain of cellular respiration. This inhibition prevents cells from utilizing oxygen, effectively causing cellular asphyxiation. Exposure to cyanide can lead to rapid onset of symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and respiratory failure.
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Mechanisms of Toxicity
Both CO and CN⁻ exhibit their toxic effects through mechanisms that disrupt oxygen transport and utilization in the body. While CO interferes with oxygen binding in hemoglobin, CN⁻ disrupts cellular respiration at the mitochondrial level. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing treatments and antidotes for poisoning from these substances.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Suggest a plausible structure for the silicate anion in the mineral thortveitite, Sc2Si2O7.
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Describe the structure of diborane (B2H6) and explain why the bridging B–H bonds are longer than the terminal B–H bonds.
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Textbook Question
Using the shorthand notation of Figure 22.9, draw the structure of the silicate anion in:
(a) K4SiO4 (b) Ag10Si4O13
What is the relationship between the charge on the anion and the number of terminal O atoms?
Textbook Question
What is the hybridization and geometry around carbon atoms in graphene? Explain why graphene is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Textbook Question
List three ways in which the properties of boron differ from those of the other group 3A elements.