Chapter 2: Problem 225
Which of the following is non-existent? (a) \(\mathrm{AlF}_{6}^{3-}\) \(\square\) (b) \(\mathrm{CoF}_{6}^{3-}\) (c) \(\mathrm{BF}_{6}^{3-}\) \(\square\) (d) \(\mathrm{SiF}_{6}^{2-}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Option (c) \(\mathrm{BF}_{6}^{3-}\) is non-existent.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Ligand and Central Atom Compatibility
To determine the existence of a complex ion, examine both the central atom and the ligands. The central atom must be capable of expanding its octet to accommodate the ligands. This typically involves having d-orbitals available for bonding with the ligands. Analyze each option to see if this condition is satisfied.
02
Analyze \\(\mathrm{AlF}_{6}^{3-}\\)
Aluminum (Al) can expand its octet as it has empty 3d orbitals available for bonding. Therefore, \(\mathrm{AlF}_{6}^{3-}\) is potentially stable.
03
Analyze \\(\mathrm{CoF}_{6}^{3-}\\)
Cobalt (Co) is a transition metal capable of using its d-orbitals for bonding with fluoride ions. Thus, \(\mathrm{CoF}_{6}^{3-}\) can exist.
04
Analyze \\(\mathrm{BF}_{6}^{3-}\\)
Boron (B) typically forms compounds where it completes an octet. Boron does not have available d-orbitals to expand beyond its octet. Therefore, it cannot form a hexafluoride ion, making \(\mathrm{BF}_{6}^{3-}\) non-existent.
05
Analyze \\(\mathrm{SiF}_{6}^{2-}\\)
Silicon (Si), like many Group 14 elements, can expand its octet due to the availability of d-orbitals. Therefore, \(\mathrm{SiF}_{6}^{2-}\) can exist.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Ligand Compatibility
In chemistry, determining whether a complex ion can exist often begins with evaluating ligand compatibility. Ligands are ions or molecules that can donate a pair of electrons to form a coordinate bond with a central atom. Ligand compatibility is influenced by the size, charge, and electronic environment of the ligands.
For a successful interaction,
For a successful interaction,
- The ligands must be small enough to fit around the central atom without causing excessive steric hindrance.
- Ligands should also possess the appropriate charge or electronegativity to form a stable bond with the central atom.
- Consider if ligands prefer to bond with metals that can provide a stable electron arrangement.
Central Atom and d-orbitals
The ability of a central atom to form a complex ion is heavily dependent on its electron configuration, specifically the availability of d-orbitals.
Central atoms that can accommodate more than eight electrons must have open or available d-orbitals:
Central atoms that can accommodate more than eight electrons must have open or available d-orbitals:
- Transition metals, such as cobalt (\(\mathrm{Co}\)), naturally have these d-orbitals and use them for bonding, allowing them to form complex ions with various ligands.
- Main group elements may also expand their octet, provided they can utilize d-orbitals, such as in the case of aluminum (\(\mathrm{Al}\)) and silicon (\(\mathrm{Si}\)).
Octet Expansion
Octet expansion is a concept where certain atoms can accommodate more than eight electrons in their valence shell. This is usually possible because they have available d-orbitals.
Not all elements are capable of doing this, making octet expansion a crucial factor in complex ion formation:
Not all elements are capable of doing this, making octet expansion a crucial factor in complex ion formation:
- For example, silicon and aluminum can expand their octet using the 3d-orbitals to accommodate additional bonding electrons.
- Boron, however, lacks available d-orbitals. Thus, it cannot expand its octet, making structures like \(\mathrm{BF}_{6}^{3-}\) impossible.
Hexafluoride Ions
Hexafluoride ions are a type of complex ion characterized by the central atom's coordination with six fluoride ligands.
Their stability depends on several factors:
Their stability depends on several factors:
- Central atoms like cobalt (\(\mathrm{Co}\)) and silicon (\(\mathrm{Si}\)) that can expand their octet demonstrate the ability to form such complex ions, given they can accommodate six fluoride ions within their expanded valence shell.
- Fluoride ions, being small and highly electronegative, contribute to a robust electron cloud density around the central atom, aiding in the stability of the resulting complex.