3.3 Chemistry of the p-block Flashcards
Why are they called the p-block elements?
Each of the p-block elements have their outer electron in the p orbital.
Which two p-block elements have amphoteric behaviour?
Al/ Al3+
Pb/ Pb2+
What is the chemical equation for the reaction between aluminium oxide and sulfuric acid?
Al2O3 + 3H2SO4 —> Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2O
What is the chemical equation for the reaction between aluminium oxide and sodium hydroxide?
Al2O3 + 2NaOH + 3H2O —> 2NaAl(OH)4
What is the chemical equation for the reaction between lead oxide and hydrochloric acid?
PbO + 2HCl —> PbCl2 + H2O
What is the chemical equation for the reaction between lead oxide and sodium hydroxide?
PbO + NaOH + H2O —> NaPb(OH)3
What is the inert pair effect?
The tendency of electrons in the outer s orbital to remain unionised and unshared. It is used to explain the increasing stability of the oxidation states that are two less that the group valency for Groups 3, 4 and 5 (also known as groups 13, 14 and 15).
Describe how the stability of oxidation states changes down Group 3
In Group 3 the stability of the +1 oxidation state increases down the group.
The Tl+ ion is much more common than the Tl3+ ion, whereas at the top of the group the Al+ ion is very rare due to its instability and hence the Al3+ ion is more common.
Describe how the stability of oxidation states changes down Group 4
In Group 4, stability of the +4 oxidation state reduces down the group, whilst stability of the +2 oxidation state increases down the group.
Describe how the stability of the oxidation states changes down Group 5
In Group 5, stability of the +5 oxidation state reduces down the group, whilst stability of the +3 oxidation state increases down the group.
Describe the structure and bonding in Al2Cl6
Aluminium Hexafluoride (Al2Cl6) is a donor-acceptor dimer. It is made up of two separate, identical molecules which are linked together by two dative bonds. Two atoms of chlorine share their lone pair of electrons with two atoms of aluminium to form the dative bonds.
Describe the structure and bonding in NH3BF3
NH3BF3 is a donor-acceptor compound.
There is a dative coordinate bond formed between the nitrogen and boron atoms, where nitrogen supplies both the electrons for the covalent bond.
Describe the structure of cubic boron nitride
The cubic form of boron nitride consists of alternately linked boron and nitrogen atoms. The structure is a tetrahedral bond network which is similar to that of the carbon atoms in a diamond. The lone pair of electrons on a nitrogen are accepted by boron to give this giant 3D covalent lattice.
Describe the structure of hexagonal boron nitride
Hexagonal boron nitride has a layered structure which is similar to graphite. The layers form a 2D giant covalent network. The alternate boron and nitrogen atoms link together and form hexagonal rings in thin layers which are held together by weak intermolecular forces.
Explain which boron nitride structure is suitable to be used as a lubricant
The hexagonal boron nitride structure has weak intermolecular forces between the layers and so these layers can slide, making it suitable to be used as a lubricant.