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Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMcMurry 8th EditionCh.22 - The Main Group ElementsProblem 22.21b
Chapter 22, Problem 22.21b

In the following pictures of binary hydrides, ivory spheres
represent H atoms or ions, and burgundy spheres represent
atoms or ions of the other element.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b) What is the oxidation state of hydrogen in compounds (1), (2), and (3)? What is the oxidation state of the other
element?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the general rule for the oxidation state of hydrogen in binary hydrides, which is typically +1 when bonded to non-metals and -1 when bonded to metals.
Examine compound (1) and determine if hydrogen is bonded to a metal or non-metal to assign its oxidation state.
Examine compound (2) and determine if hydrogen is bonded to a metal or non-metal to assign its oxidation state.
Examine compound (3) and determine if hydrogen is bonded to a metal or non-metal to assign its oxidation state.
For each compound, use the known oxidation state of hydrogen to deduce the oxidation state of the other element, ensuring the sum of oxidation states equals the overall charge of the compound, which is zero for neutral compounds.

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Key Concepts

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

Oxidation State

The oxidation state, or oxidation number, is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a compound, reflecting its degree of oxidation or reduction. It helps in understanding electron transfer in chemical reactions. For hydrogen, the oxidation state is typically +1 when bonded to nonmetals and -1 when bonded to metals.
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Binary Hydrides

Binary hydrides are compounds formed between hydrogen and one other element, typically a metal or a nonmetal. The properties and oxidation states of hydrogen in these compounds can vary based on the nature of the other element. Understanding the type of bonding and the electronegativity of the other element is crucial for determining oxidation states.
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Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond. It plays a significant role in determining the oxidation states of elements in compounds. In binary hydrides, the relative electronegativities of hydrogen and the other element dictate whether hydrogen will have a positive or negative oxidation state.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Look at the location of elements A, B, C, and D in the following periodic table:


(b) Classify each oxide as basic, acidic, or amphoteric.

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Textbook Question

Consider the elements N, Si, Al, S, and F. Identify which of these elements:

c. Is a semiconductor

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Textbook Question

Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.

(c) Is extremely toxic

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Textbook Question

The following pictures represent structures of the hydrides of four second-row elements:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(b) Which compound has the lowest boiling point?

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Textbook Question

Consider the elements C, Se, B, Sn, and Cl. Identify which of these elements:

c. Is the best electrical conductor

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Textbook Question

Consider the six second- and third-row elements in groups 4A–6A of the periodic table:


Possible structures for the binary fluorides of each of these elements in its highest oxidation state are shown below.


(b) Explain why the fluorides of nitrogen and phosphorus have different molecular structures but the fluorides of carbon and silicon have the same molecular structure.

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