Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements

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McMurry 8th Edition

Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements

Problem 22.47

Chapter 22, Problem 22.47

GeCl₄ reacts with Cl^- to give GeCl₆^2-, but CCl₄ does not react with excess Cl^-. Explain.

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Identify the central atoms in GeCl_4 and CCl_4, which are Ge (Germanium) and C (Carbon), respectively.

Consider the electronic configuration and oxidation states of Ge and C. Ge can expand its octet due to available d-orbitals, while C cannot because it lacks d-orbitals.

Understand that GeCl_4 can accept additional Cl^- ions to form GeCl_6^{2-} because Ge can accommodate more than 8 electrons in its valence shell.

Recognize that CCl_4 does not react with Cl^- because carbon cannot expand its octet beyond 8 electrons, as it only has s and p orbitals available.

Conclude that the ability of Ge to expand its octet allows GeCl_4 to react with Cl^-, while the lack of d-orbitals in carbon prevents CCl_4 from doing the same.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Coordination Chemistry

Coordination chemistry involves the study of complex compounds formed between metal ions and ligands. In this context, GeCl4 acts as a Lewis acid, accepting electron pairs from Cl- ligands to form the stable complex GeCl62-. Understanding how ligands interact with metal centers is crucial for explaining the reactivity of these compounds.

Lewis Acids and Bases

Lewis acids are substances that can accept an electron pair, while Lewis bases donate an electron pair. GeCl4 is a Lewis acid that can react with Cl- ions, whereas CCl4 is a neutral molecule and does not exhibit Lewis acid behavior. This distinction is key to understanding why GeCl4 reacts while CCl4 does not.

Oxidation States and Stability

The oxidation state of an element in a compound can influence its reactivity and stability. In GeCl4, germanium is in the +4 oxidation state, which allows it to stabilize additional negative charges when reacting with Cl-. In contrast, CCl4 does not have a favorable oxidation state for further reaction with Cl-, leading to its inertness in this scenario.

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Which of the following oxides will be more soluble in acidic solution? (LO 22.14)

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Which of the following elements (X) will form a covalent hydride with the formula XH₃ that is a gas at room temperature? (LO 22.4)

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GeCl4 reacts with Cl- to give GeCl62-, but CCl4 does not react with excess Cl-. Explain.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

Key Concepts

Coordination Chemistry

Lewis Acids and Bases

Oxidation States and Stability

GeCl₄ reacts with Cl^- to give GeCl₆^2-, but CCl₄ does not react with excess Cl^-. Explain.