Question

Depending upon reaction conditions, nitrogen and oxygen can produce either \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5} .\) Predict two formulas for each of the following compounds: (a) arsenic oxide (b) antimony oxide

Short answer

(a) As_2O_3 and As_2O_5; (b) Sb_2O_3 and Sb_2O_5.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

The conditions given suggest comparing with known nitrogen oxides, which are different forms of compounds containing a single element with oxygen. The given nitrogen oxides are \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_3\) and \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_5\). We need the same for arsenic and antimony.

Identify Similar Oxide Forms for Arsenic

Like nitrogen, arsenic can also form sesquioxides and pentoxides. These can be represented similarly to \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_3\) and \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_5\). Consequently, the formulas are derived from common valency patterns: \(\text{As}_2\text{O}_3\) (arsenic(III) oxide) and \(\text{As}_2\text{O}_5\) (arsenic(V) oxide).

Identify Similar Oxide Forms for Antimony

Antimony, analogous to nitrogen and arsenic, can also form sesquioxide and pentoxide. The formulas follow a similar concept: \(\text{Sb}_2\text{O}_3\) (antimony(III) oxide) and \(\text{Sb}_2\text{O}_5\) (antimony(V) oxide).

Summarize the Results

Arsenic oxides can be \(\text{As}_2\text{O}_3\) and \(\text{As}_2\text{O}_5\). Similarly, antimony oxides can be \(\text{Sb}_2\text{O}_3\) and \(\text{Sb}_2\text{O}_5\). All these oxides align with the bonding and oxidation states similar to nitrogen oxides.

Key concepts

Oxides

Oxides are chemical compounds formed when oxygen combines with other elements. They are incredibly common in nature and can form a wide variety of substances, ranging from water ( ext{H}_2 ext{O}
9) to rust (commonly  ext{Fe}_2 ext{O}_3
9). Understanding oxide formation requires a grasp of how oxygen bonds with different elements. Here are some basics about oxides:

• Two main categories of oxides are "metal oxides" and "non-metal oxides."
• Most oxides are binary compounds, meaning they consist of two elements: one oxygen atom and another element.
• The chemical formula for an oxide depends on the valency or oxidation state of the element they combine with.

Elements can form multiple oxides, depending on their oxidation states. Like the nitrogen oxides  ext{N}_2 ext{O}_3
9 and  ext{N}_2 ext{O}_5
9, other elements such as arsenic and antimony also form oxides with varying ratios of oxygen.

Arsenic Compounds

Arsenic compounds, particularly arsenic oxides, are intriguing due to their varied structures and uses. Arsenic forms two main oxides: arsenic(III) oxide, also known as arsenious oxide ( ext{As}_2 ext{O}_3
9), and arsenic(V) oxide ( ext{As}_2 ext{O}_5
9). Both have significant applications and properties.

• Arsenic(III) oxide ( ext{As}_2 ext{O}_3
  9): This oxide is a white, crystalline solid and the most common form of arsenic in nature. It is highly toxic and was historically used as a poison. It's also used in the production of certain glass products to enhance clarity.
• Arsenic(V) oxide ( ext{As}_2 ext{O}_5
  9): Less common than arsenic(III) oxide, it forms from the oxidation of arsenic trioxide. It is important in manufacturing insecticides and herbicides, and as a component in some alloys.

Arsenic oxides are vital for several chemical processes, but they need to be handled with care due to their toxicity. Understanding their behavior and effects is crucial when dealing with these compounds.

Antimony Compounds

Antimony compounds, particularly its oxides, mirror the chemical behavior of arsenic oxides due to similarities in their atomic structures. The most notable oxides of antimony include antimony(III) oxide ( ext{Sb}_2 ext{O}_3
9) and antimony(V) oxide ( ext{Sb}_2 ext{O}_5
9).

• Antimony(III) oxide ( ext{Sb}_2 ext{O}_3
  9): This occurs naturally and is used extensively in ceramics, pigments, and fiber optics. It acts as a flame retardant and is involved in many industrial products.
• Antimony(V) oxide ( ext{Sb}_2 ext{O}_5
  9): Less commonly used but important in catalysts and certain flame retardant applications. It forms by combining antimony with oxygen under specific conditions, similar to nitrogen's oxides.

Antimony oxides demonstrate the flexibility of chemical compounds to adapt in different chemical environments. Despite being less toxic than arsenic oxides, safety precautions are still important when handling antimony compounds.