Question

A variety of chlorine oxide fluorides and related cations and anions are known. They tend to be powerful oxidizing and fluorinating agents. \(\mathrm{FClO}_{3}\) is the most stable of this group of compounds and has been studied as an oxidizing component in rocket propellants. Draw a Lewis structure for \(\mathrm{F}_{3} \mathrm{ClO}\) \(\mathrm{F}_{2} \mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{+},\) and \(\mathrm{F}_{3} \mathrm{ClO}_{2}\). What is the molecular structure for each species, and what is the expected hybridization of the central chlorine atom in each compound or ion?

Short answer

The molecular structure and hybridization of each species are as follows: 1. \(\mathrm{FClO}_{3}\): sp3 hybridization with a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. 2. \(\mathrm{F}_{3} \mathrm{ClO}\): sp3 hybridization with a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. 3. \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{+}\): sp3 hybridization with a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. 4. \(\mathrm{F}_{3} \mathrm{ClO}_{2}\): sp3d hybridization with a T-shaped molecular geometry.

Step-by-step solution

Calculating the total number of valence electrons

To draw the Lewis structure of each molecule, we need to determine the total number of valence electrons in each molecule or ion. 1. \(\mathrm{FClO}_{3}\): F has 7 valence electrons, Cl has 7 valence electrons, and each O has 6 valence electrons. So, the total number of valence electrons is 7 + 7 + 3(6) = 33. 2. For \(\mathrm{F}_{3} \mathrm{ClO}\): 3(F) has 3(7) valence electrons, Cl has 7 valence electrons, and O has 6 valence electrons. So, the total number of valence electrons is 3(7) + 7 + 6 = 34. 3. For \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{+}\): Since it has a positive charge, we subtract one electron. 2(F) has 2(7) valence electrons, Cl has 7 valence electrons, and O has 2(6) valence electrons. So, the total number of valence electrons is 2(7) + 7 + 2(6) - 1 = 32. 4. For \(\mathrm{F}_{3} \mathrm{ClO}_{2}\): 3(F) has 3(7) valence electrons, Cl has 7 valence electrons, and each O has 6 valence electrons. So, the total number of valence electrons is 3(7) + 7 + 2(6) = 36.

Drawing the Lewis structure

Now that we have calculated the total number of valence electrons, let's draw the Lewis structure for each molecule. 1. \(\mathrm{FClO}_{3}\): 📝 F ║ Cl - O - O - O ║ ║ ║ 📝 The chlorine atom has four electron domains: three bonding domains and one lone electron pair, making it an AX3E species (VSEPR theory). Therefore, the hybridization is sp3 with a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. 2. \(\mathrm{F}_{3} \mathrm{ClO}\): 📝 O ║ F - Cl - F ║ F 📝 The chlorine atom has four electron domains: three bonding domains and one lone electron pair, making it an AX3E species (VSEPR theory). Therefore, the hybridization is sp3 with a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. 3. \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{+}\): 📝 O - Cl - F ║ O ║ F 📝 The chlorine atom has four electron domains: three bonding domains and one lone electron pair, making it an AX3E species (VSEPR theory). Therefore, the hybridization is sp3 with a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. 4. \(\mathrm{F}_{3} \mathrm{ClO}_{2}\): 📝 O - Cl ║ O ║ F - Cl - F ║ F 📝 The chlorine atom has five electron domains: three bonding domains and two lone electron pairs, making it an AX3E2 species (VSEPR theory). Therefore, the hybridization is sp3d with a T-shaped molecular geometry. In summary, we have drawn the Lewis structures for all four molecules/ions and determined their respective molecular structures and the hybridization of the central chlorine atom.

Key concepts

Chlorine Oxide Fluorides

Chlorine oxide fluorides are a fascinating group of chemical compounds. They involve chlorine bonded to both oxygen and fluorine atoms. These compounds are known for being strong oxidizing and fluorinating agents which means they can easily take electrons from other substances and introduce fluorine atoms into them. This makes them incredibly reactive and useful in various applications like rocket propellants. For example, \(\mathrm{FClO}_{3}\) is notable as a stable member of this family and is investigated for its potential use in enhancing rocket fuel efficiency.

Understanding the characteristics of these compounds requires analyzing their molecular structure, which involves assessing how the different atoms connect and interact with each other.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom. They are crucial because they determine how an atom reacts chemically with others. In forming chemical bonds, atoms strive to achieve a stable electron configuration, often looking to have a complete outer shell.

Let's see how this applies: when drawing Lewis structures for \(\mathrm{FClO}_{3}\), \(\mathrm{F}_{3}\mathrm{ClO}\), and \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{+}\), calculating the total number of valence electrons is the first step. Here’s why this is essential:

• Fluorine (F) has 7 valence electrons.
• Chlorine (Cl) also has 7 valence electrons.
• Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons.

For instance, when we calculate the total number of valence electrons for \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{+}\), we account for each atom’s electrons and adjust for the positive charge by subtracting one electron. Understanding the number and arrangement of these electrons helps in predicting molecular geometry and reactivity.

VSEPR Theory

VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory is a valuable model used to predict the shape of molecules. It is based on the repulsion between pairs of valence electrons around an atom which strives to be as far apart as possible.

In compounds like \(\mathrm{FClO}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{F}_{3}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}\), we can apply VSEPR theory to determine the molecular structure. According to VSEPR, the geometry depends on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons:

• An AX3E structure, such as \(\mathrm{F}_{3}\mathrm{ClO}\), indicates three bonding domains and one lone pair, leading to a trigonal pyramidal shape.
• An AX3E2 structure, like in \(\mathrm{F}_{3}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}\), corresponds to three bonding pairs and two lone pairs, resulting in a T-shaped molecule.

By understanding these pairing arrangements, we can effectively predict the three-dimensional form of molecules, crucial for understanding reactivity and physical properties.

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry deals with the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. This arrangement influences physical and chemical properties like reactivity, polarity, phase of matter, magnetism, color, and biological activity.

For example, in molecules such as \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{+}\), the molecular structure is primarily determined by the count of bonds and lone pairs around the central chlorine atom. This can be derived from the Lewis dot structure and confirmed using VSEPR theory.

• Trigonal pyramidal geometry (AX3E) arises when three atoms and one lone pair are around the central atom, leading to this arrangement for \(\mathrm{F}_{3}\mathrm{ClO}\).
• In contrast, a T-shaped geometry (AX3E2) shows up in the \(\mathrm{F}_{3}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}\) due to the influence of two lone electron pairs situated around the chlorine atom.

Having knowledge of molecular geometry is essential. It allows chemists to predict how a molecule might interact with others and helps in creating models and simulations of complex reactions.

Hybridization

Hybridization is a concept in chemistry that explains the bonding process in terms of atomic orbital mixing. It provides insight into the structure of molecules.

In the chlorine oxide fluoride compounds, we identify the hybridization state by observing the number of electronic domains around the central chlorine atom.

• For \(\mathrm{FClO}_{3}\), \(\mathrm{F}_{3}\mathrm{ClO}\), and \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}^{+}\), the chlorine's involvement in forming bonds and one lone pair means it undergoes \(sp^3\) hybridization. This involves one s orbital and three p orbitals mixing to form four equivalent hybrid orbitals.
• In \(\mathrm{F}_{3}\mathrm{ClO}_{2}\), chlorine forms bonds with three atoms and retains two lone pairs. This scenario demands \(sp^3d\) hybridization, entailing a blend of one s, three p, and one d orbital.

Grasping hybridization helps in understanding the nature of bonds, the shape of the molecules, and even the angles between bonds. It's a crucial aspect of molecular chemistry that bridges the gap between atomic theory and observable phenomena.