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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,
  • 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.
In the case of fluoride ions (\(\mathrm{F}^-\)), which are small and highly electronegative, they are often compatible with transition metals, offering crucial stability in forming complex ions.
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:
  • 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 (\(\mathrm{Si}\)).
The presence of d-orbitals enhances the bonding capacity of the central atom, facilitating the creation of stable, more intricate geometries of the complex ions.
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:
  • 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.
Understanding which elements can expand their octet helps predict the feasibility of forming stable complexes with multiple ligands.
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:
  • 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.
The goal is creating a stable configuration where each ligand's electron pair is optimally shared with the central atom, ensuring the ion's existence in reality.

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