What is the correct ionic formula for the compound Titanium (IV) Phosphate?
a. Tiz(PO4)3
b. TIPO4
c. Ti3(PO4)4
d. TigP4 Tig(PO3)4
e. Ti3(PO4)4
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct chemical formula is (a) Ti₃(PO₄)₄.
Explanation:
Titanium phosphate compounds are generally formed by the combination of titanium (Ti) ions with phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻). The valency of titanium and the charge of phosphate ions are key factors in determining the correct formula for these compounds.
- Titanium (Ti) Valency:
Titanium can have multiple oxidation states, but in this case, we are considering the most common oxidation states of +3 and +4. This is important because the valency of titanium will determine how many phosphate ions are needed to balance the charge of the titanium ions. - Phosphate Ion (PO₄³⁻):
The phosphate ion has a charge of -3. To balance the positive charge of titanium, we need a specific number of phosphate ions for each titanium ion. If titanium is in the +3 oxidation state, three phosphate ions are required to balance the charge. - The Chemical Formula:
- For Ti₃(PO₄)₄, this corresponds to three titanium ions, each with a +3 charge, and four phosphate ions, each with a -3 charge.
- The charges balance out since the total positive charge from the titanium ions is +9 (3 × +3) and the total negative charge from the phosphate ions is -12 (4 × -3). Thus, the overall compound is electrically neutral, which is a requirement for a stable chemical compound.
- Other Formulas:
- (b) TiPO₄: This would imply one titanium ion and one phosphate ion. However, the valency of titanium in this case would not balance with the charge of the phosphate ion, making this formula incorrect for typical titanium phosphate compounds.
- (c) Ti₃(PO₄)₄: This is a duplicate of the correct answer, so it is also correct.
- (d) Ti₆P₄ and Ti₆(PO₃)₄: These formulas are not plausible as they imply unusual oxidation states of titanium and phosphate ion configurations.
In conclusion, Ti₃(PO₄)₄ is the correct formula, as it balances the charges of titanium ions and phosphate ions properly.