Textbook Question
Suggest a plausible structure for the silicate anion in the mineral thortveitite, Sc2Si2O7.
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Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 - Chemical Tools: Experimentation & Measurement143
- Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions134
- Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions149
- Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution157
- Ch.5 - Periodicity & Electronic Structure of Atoms92
- Ch.6 - Ionic Compounds: Periodic Trends and Bonding Theory73
- Ch.7 - Covalent Bonding and Electron-Dot Structures47
- Ch.8 - Covalent Compounds: Bonding Theories and Molecular Structure51
- Ch.9 - Thermochemistry: Chemical Energy104
- Ch.10 - Gases: Their Properties & Behavior138
- Ch.11 - Liquids & Phase Changes43
- Ch.12 - Solids and Solid-State Materials56
- Ch.13 - Solutions & Their Properties98
- Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics79
- Ch.15 - Chemical Equilibrium107
- Ch.16 - Aqueous Equilibria: Acids & Bases94
- Ch.17 - Applications of Aqueous Equilibria125
- Ch.18 - Thermodynamics: Entropy, Free Energy & Equilibrium66
- Ch.19 - Electrochemistry130
- Ch.20 - Nuclear Chemistry73
- Ch.21 - Transition Elements and Coordination Chemistry122
- Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements155
- Ch.23 - Organic and Biological Chemistry43
Chapter 22, Problem 22.96
Why are CO and CN– so toxic to humans?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that both CO (carbon monoxide) and CN– (cyanide ion) are toxic because they interfere with the body's ability to use oxygen effectively.
Recognize that CO binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells with a much higher affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Note that CN– inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain of mitochondria, preventing cells from using oxygen to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
Consider that the toxicity of both CO and CN– is due to their ability to disrupt cellular respiration, leading to cellular hypoxia and potential organ failure.
Remember that the symptoms of poisoning by these substances can include headache, dizziness, weakness, and in severe cases, can lead to death if not treated promptly.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Carbon Monoxide Toxicity
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells more effectively than oxygen. This binding forms carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to tissues, leading to hypoxia. The symptoms of CO poisoning can include headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, death.
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3 and 4 Carbon Alkyls
Cyanide Ion Toxicity
The cyanide ion (CN⁻) is highly toxic because it inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, an essential enzyme in the electron transport chain of cellular respiration. This inhibition prevents cells from utilizing oxygen, effectively causing cellular asphyxiation. Exposure to cyanide can lead to rapid onset of symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and respiratory failure.
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02:31Other Polyatomic Ions
Mechanisms of Toxicity
Both CO and CN⁻ exhibit their toxic effects through mechanisms that disrupt oxygen transport and utilization in the body. While CO interferes with oxygen binding in hemoglobin, CN⁻ disrupts cellular respiration at the mitochondrial level. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing treatments and antidotes for poisoning from these substances.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Look at the location of elements A, B, C, and D in the following periodic table:
(d) Which hydrides react with water to give an acidic solution, and which give a basic solution?
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Textbook Question
Look at the location of elements A, B, C, and D in the following periodic table:
(a) Write the formula of the simplest binary hydride of each element.
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Textbook Question
Describe the structure of diborane (B2H6) and explain why the bridging B–H bonds are longer than the terminal B–H bonds.
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Textbook Question
Using the shorthand notation of Figure 22.9, draw the structure of the cyclic silicate anion in which four SiO4 tetrahedra share O atoms to form an eight-membered ring of alternating Si and O atoms. Give the formula and charge of the anion.
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