What is the electron dot structure for beryllium and oxygen when they combine into a compound?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Electron Dot Structure for Beryllium and Oxygen in a Compound
When beryllium (Be) and oxygen (O) combine to form a compound, they typically create beryllium oxide (BeO), which is an ionic compound. The electron dot structure helps in understanding the transfer of electrons between the two elements.
Electron Dot Structures of Individual Elements:
- Beryllium (Be): Atomic number 4; electron configuration 1s² 2s².
Valence electrons: 2
Electron dot structure: Be: •
•
- Oxygen (O): Atomic number 8; electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁴.
Valence electrons: 6
Electron dot structure:
••
O ••
••
Formation of BeO:
Beryllium has two valence electrons and oxygen requires two electrons to complete its octet. In the formation of beryllium oxide, each beryllium atom donates its two valence electrons to an oxygen atom. This transfer allows beryllium to attain the stable configuration of a noble gas (helium-like configuration), and oxygen achieves a full octet by gaining two electrons.
After the transfer:
- Beryllium becomes a Be²⁺ cation, with no valence electrons remaining in its outer shell.
- Oxygen becomes an O²⁻ anion, with eight electrons in its outer shell (six original plus two gained).
Electron Dot Structure of BeO:
[Be]²⁺ : [••O••]²⁻
Here, the oxygen ion is surrounded by eight dots representing its complete octet, while the beryllium ion has no dots, indicating the loss of its valence electrons.
Nature of the Bond:
The bond between beryllium and oxygen in BeO is primarily ionic due to the transfer of electrons. However, because of beryllium’s small size and high charge density, there is also some covalent character in the bond.
