Chapter 10, Problem 10.36P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The number of electrons involved in the oxidation of triphenyl phosphine to triphenyl phosphine oxide is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The oxidation is the process of the increase in the oxidation number of the element. This can be done by addition of oxygen, removal of hydrogen and lose of electrons. The number of electrons involved in the oxidation is equal to the change in the oxidation number of the element.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The resonance structures of triphenylphosphine oxide in which it obeys octet rule are to be stated.

Concept introduction:

Resonance is the phenomena of the delocalization of pi electrons to give extra stability to the molecule. This extra stability comes from the distribution of the energy of the molecule in the resonance structures formed.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

Lewis structure for trimethylamine oxide (${\text{Me}}_{\text{3}}\text{NO}$) is to be stated. An explanation as to why bond order of the $\text{N—O}$ bond in ${\text{Me}}_{\text{3}}\text{NO}$ compound different from the bond order of the $\text{P—O}$ bond in the trimethylphosphine oxide is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

Lewis structure is the electron dot model of the compound showing each pair of electrons between the two atoms leading to the formation of one covalent bond.

Lewis diagrams follow the octet rule when drawn. That is, the total number of electrons around each can be a maximum of eight.