Question

Although \(\mathrm{I}_{3}^{-}\) is known, \(\mathrm{F}_{3}^{-}\) is not. Using Lewis structures, explain why \(\mathrm{F}_{3}^{-}\) does not form.

Short answer

The hypothetical F3- ion does not form because of the high electronegativity of fluorine, which allows each atom to form only one single bond, and the requirement for the central fluorine atom to exceed the octet rule, which is impossible for second-period elements. Since fluorine can only accommodate a maximum of 8 electrons in its 2s and 2p orbitals, the F3- ion does not form due to these limitations.

Step-by-step solution

Locate elements on the Periodic Table

First, locate iodine (I) and fluorine (F) in the periodic table. Iodine belongs to Group 17 (VIIA) and Period 5, while fluorine belongs to Group 17 (VIIA) and Period 2.

Determine the number of valence electrons

Since both iodine and fluorine belong to Group 17, they have 7 valence electrons each. In the case of the I3- ion, there are three iodine atoms and an additional electron to account for the negative charge, bringing the total valence electrons to 22. For the hypothetical F3- ion, there would be three fluorine atoms and an additional electron, bringing the total valence electrons to 22 as well.

Draw the Lewis structures for I3- and F3-

For I3-, three iodine atoms bond together forming two I-I single bonds. To account for the additional electron, the central iodine atom will have three lone pairs, and the two terminal iodine atoms will have four lone pairs each. This gives the I3- ion 22 valence electrons in total. For the hypothetical F3-, three fluorine atoms would have to bond together. However, each fluorine atom can only form one single bond due to its high electronegativity and adherence to the octet rule.

Explain why F3- does not form

In order to form a stable F3- ion, the central fluorine atom will need to bond with the two terminal fluorine atoms, but it can only form one bond, leaving one fluorine atom unbonded. Additionally, fluorine is highly electronegative, making it unfavorable for fluorine to form such a molecular structure. Furthermore, a stable F3- ion would require the central fluorine atom to exceed the octet rule, which is not possible for second-period elements like fluorine. The reason is that second-period elements only have access to the 2s and 2p orbitals, allowing for a maximum of 8 electrons to be accommodated. As a result, the F3- ion does not form due to octet rule limitations and high electronegativity of fluorine atoms.