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A number of salts containing the tetrahedral polyatomic anion, \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\), are ionic liquids, whereas salts containing the somewhat larger tetrahedral ion \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\) do not form ionic liquids. Explain this observation.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In short, salts containing the tetrahedral polyatomic anion \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) form ionic liquids due to the weaker intermolecular forces and less polar nature of this ion compared to the somewhat larger tetrahedral ion \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\). The lower polarity of \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) results in weaker interactions between the ions, allowing them to move more easily in the liquid phase. In contrast, the higher polarity of \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\) strengthens the interactions between ions, leading to higher melting points and a lack of ionic liquid formation.

Step by step solution

01

Ionic Liquids

First, let's understand what ionic liquids are. Ionic liquids are salts that are typically a liquid at or below room temperature, having low melting points. This is due to their ionic nature, which allows them to remain in the liquid phase as a result of weak intermolecular forces between ions in the liquid.
02

Analyzing Tetrahedral Structures

When looking at the two ions given, both have tetrahedral structures. The slightly smaller tetrahedral ion, \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\), has boron at the central atom, surrounded by four fluorine atoms. The larger tetrahedral ion, \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\), has sulfur at the central atom, surrounded by four oxygen atoms.
03

Comparing Electronegativity

The electronegativity difference between boron and fluorine in \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) is smaller compared to the difference between sulfur and oxygen in \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\). This is because boron has an electronegativity of 2.0, while fluorine is the most electronegative element with a value of 3.98. Meanwhile, sulfur has an electronegativity of 2.58, and oxygen has an electronegativity value of 3.44. Therefore, the \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) ion has a more evenly distributed electron density than \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\).
04

Examining Ionic Bonding and Intermolecular Forces

Both anions are equally symmetrical in shape (tetrahedral), but \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) is much less polar than \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\). The lower polarity of \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) results in weaker intermolecular forces (IMFs) such as dipole-dipole interactions or hydrogen bonding, allowing the ions to slide past each other more easily. In contrast, \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\) exhibits stronger IMFs due to its higher polarity, which increases its melting point, making it harder to form ionic liquids.
05

Conclusion

In conclusion, salts containing the tetrahedral polyatomic anion \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) form ionic liquids because of the weaker intermolecular forces and less polar nature of this ion compared to the somewhat larger tetrahedral ion \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\). The lower polarity of \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) results in weaker interactions between the ions, allowing them to move more easily in the liquid phase, while the higher polarity of \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}{ }^{2-}\) strengthens the interactions between ions, leading to higher melting points and a lack of ionic liquid formation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

For many years drinking water has been cooled in hot climates by evaporating it from the surfaces of canvas bags or porous clay pots. How many grams of water can be cooled from 35 to \(20^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) by the evaporation of \(60 \mathrm{~g}\) of water? (The heat of vaporization of water in this temperature range is \(2.4 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{g}\). The specific heat of water is \(4.18 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{g}-\mathrm{K}\).)

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