Chapter 8, Problem 19E

Strike-anywhere matches contain a layer of ${\text{KClO}}_3$ and a layer of ${\text{P}}_4{\text{S}}_3$. The heat produced by the friction of striking the match causes these two compounds to react vigorously, which sets fire to the wooden stem of the match.

KCIO3 contains the ${\text{ClO}}_3{}^{-}$ ion. ${\text{P}}_4{\text{S}}_3$ is an unusual molecule with the skeletal structure.

(a) Write Lewis structures for ${\text{P}}_4{\text{S}}_3$ and the ${\text{ClO}}_3{}^{-}$ ion.

(b) Describe the geometry about the P atoms, the S atom, and the Cl atom in these species.

(c) Assign a hybridization to the P atoms, the S atom, and the Cl atom in these species.

(d) Determine the oxidation states and formal charge of the atoms in ${\text{P}}_4{\text{S}}_3$ and the ${\text{ClO}}_3{}^{-}$ ion.