Chapter 6, Problem 72A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A table showing the atomic and ionic radii of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen needs to be prepared. Whether the sizes of Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen atoms increases or decreases in size when they form bonds in aspartame needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Ionic radius can be defined as the radius of the ion in an atom. The atomic radius of a particular element is the measure of the atom’s size. It can also be defined as the distance between its boundary and nucleus of the element

Answer to Problem 72A

Carbon atom will decrease in size on forming bonds in aspartame, whereas nitrogen and oxygen results in increase in the size on forming bonds in aspartame.

Explanation of Solution

The structure of Aspartame is given below:

In the bonds, carbon gets partial positive charge. As a result, decrease in radius takes place when ionized. On ionizing or forming bonds, Nitrogen and Oxygen gain electrons and result in the increase in radius.

The table below indicates the atomic and ionic radius of Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen atoms.

Element	Atomic radius	Ionic Radius
Carbon	77 pm	15 pm
Nitrogen	75 pm	146 pm
Oxygen	73 pm	140 pm

From the data given in the table, one can predict that Carbon atom will decrease in size on forming bonds in aspartame, whereas Nitrogen and Oxygen results in increases in size on forming bonds in aspartame.

Conclusion

Carbon makes bonds after sharing of electrons. It gets partial positive charge. Thus, decrease in radius takes place when ionized. On ionizing or forming bonds, Nitrogen and Oxygen gain electrons and result in the increase in radius.

Therefore, carbon atom will decrease in size on forming bonds in aspartame, whereas Nitrogen and Oxygen results in increases in size on forming bonds in aspartame.