Question

Use electron dot structures to show why tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide,${\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)}_{\mathbf{4}}{\mathbf{N}}^{\mathbf{+}}{\mathbf{OH}}^{\mathbf{-}}$ , is an ionic compound. That is, show why hydroxide is not covalently bound to the rest of the molecule.

Short answer

In this structure, there is no space for hydroxide ion $\left({\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right)$to occupy or bond to ${\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)}_4{\mathrm{N}}^{+}$ . Hence, it is considered to be ionic compound.

Step-by-step solution

Concept Introduction

A compound which consists of anions and cations held together by ionic bond (electrical attraction of opposite charges).

Structure of Tetra methyl ammonium

Tetramethylammonium hydroxide ${\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)}_4{\mathrm{N}}^{+}{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$is an ionic compound and ${\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$is not covalently bonded to rest of the compound

Electron dot structure of role="math" localid="1663385624826" ${\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)}_4{\mathrm{N}}^{+}{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$is,

In this structure, there is no space for hydroxide ion$\left({\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right)$ to occupy or bond to ${\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)}_4{\mathrm{N}}^{+}$. Hence, it is considered to be ionic compound.