Chapter 8, Problem 100A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Formation of Antimony trichloride and antimony pentachloride from antimony and chlorine is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The combining capacity of atoms and molecules is called valency. Chemical behavior of elements can be defined by electrons in outermost orbitals of their atoms.

Answer to Problem 100A

Antimony and chlorine can form different compounds because chlorine has 1 valence electrons and antimony has 5 valence electrons

Explanation of Solution

Valency of antimony is 5 and chlorine is 1. Antimony has one lone pair if it is combined to three chlorine atoms. Chlorine is a halogen atom. After sharing three electrons with chlorine atom, the compound formed will be ${\text{SbCl}}_{\text{3}}$. If antimony shares 5 electrons with Cl, the compound formed will be ${\text{SbCl}}_5$. Here, antimony will have extended octet.

Conclusion

Electronic configuration of antimony is $\left[\text{Kr}\right]{\text{4d}}^{\text{10}}{\text{5s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{5p}}^{\text{3}}$. It is a metalloid. Electronic configuration of chlorine is $\left[\text{Ne}\right]{\text{3s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{3p}}^{\text{5}}$.