In the following pairs of binary compounds determine which one is a molecular substance and which one is an ionic substance. Use the appropriate naming convention (for ionic or molecular substances) to assign a name to each compound: (a) TiCl4 and CaF2, (b) ClF3 and VF3, (c) SbCl5 and AlF3.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Answer and Explanation:
(a) TiCl₄ and CaF₂
- TiCl₄ (Titanium tetrachloride): Molecular
- Reasoning: Titanium (Ti) is a transition metal, but in this case, it forms covalent bonds with chlorine (Cl). Since TiCl₄ consists of discrete molecules held together by covalent bonds, it is a molecular compound.
- Naming: The compound follows molecular nomenclature, so it is named Titanium tetrachloride.
- CaF₂ (Calcium fluoride): Ionic
- Reasoning: Calcium (Ca) is a metal, and fluorine (F) is a nonmetal. This results in an ionic bond where calcium donates electrons to fluorine, forming Ca²⁺ and F⁻ ions.
- Naming: As an ionic compound, it is named Calcium fluoride.
(b) ClF₃ and VF₃
- ClF₃ (Chlorine trifluoride): Molecular
- Reasoning: Chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F) are both nonmetals. They share electrons in a covalent manner, forming a molecular compound.
- Naming: The name follows molecular nomenclature, Chlorine trifluoride.
- VF₃ (Vanadium(III) fluoride): Ionic
- Reasoning: Vanadium (V) is a metal, and fluorine (F) is a nonmetal, resulting in an ionic bond where vanadium donates electrons.
- Naming: Since vanadium has multiple oxidation states, its charge must be indicated using Roman numerals. The correct name is Vanadium(III) fluoride.
(c) SbCl₅ and AlF₃
- SbCl₅ (Antimony pentachloride): Molecular
- Reasoning: Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid, and chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal. Their bonding is covalent, forming a molecular compound.
- Naming: Using molecular naming conventions, it is named Antimony pentachloride.
- AlF₃ (Aluminum fluoride): Ionic
- Reasoning: Aluminum (Al) is a metal, and fluorine (F) is a nonmetal. The bonding is ionic.
- Naming: Since aluminum has a fixed charge of +3, no Roman numerals are needed. The correct name is Aluminum fluoride.
Summary Table:
| Compound | Molecular/Ionic | Correct Name |
|---|---|---|
| TiCl₄ | Molecular | Titanium tetrachloride |
| CaF₂ | Ionic | Calcium fluoride |
| ClF₃ | Molecular | Chlorine trifluoride |
| VF₃ | Ionic | Vanadium(III) fluoride |
| SbCl₅ | Molecular | Antimony pentachloride |
| AlF₃ | Ionic | Aluminum fluoride |
Explanation (300 words):
To determine whether a compound is molecular or ionic, we must consider the types of elements involved. Ionic compounds generally form between metals and nonmetals due to the transfer of electrons, resulting in cations and anions. Molecular compounds, on the other hand, consist of nonmetals or metalloids and involve covalent bonding.
In pair (a), TiCl₄ is molecular because it consists of covalent bonds between titanium and chlorine, whereas CaF₂ is ionic due to calcium’s tendency to donate electrons to fluorine.
In pair (b), ClF₃ is molecular, as both chlorine and fluorine are nonmetals that share electrons. However, VF₃ is ionic because vanadium (a transition metal) forms cations that bond ionically with fluoride anions.
In pair (c), SbCl₅ is molecular due to antimony (a metalloid) forming covalent bonds with chlorine. AlF₃, however, is ionic, as aluminum (a metal) donates electrons to fluorine.
Proper naming is crucial. Molecular compounds use prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, etc.) to indicate the number of atoms, whereas ionic compounds follow the standard naming convention, often requiring Roman numerals for transition metals. This distinction ensures clarity when identifying chemical compounds.
Now, I will generate an image representing this classification.
I’ve generated an image that visually organizes the classification of molecular and ionic compounds along with their correct chemical names. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!