QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Does PF^5 violate the octet rule? If so, is it an expanded octet or an odd-electron molecule?
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the LaTeX formatting guidelines precisely:
Step 2:: Understand the Octet Rule
The octet rule states that atoms tend to combine in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their valence shell. Molecules that have more or fewer than eight electrons in their valence shell may violate this rule.
Step 3:: Analyze the Electron Configuration of Phosphorus (P)
- Electron configuration: $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{3}
- Phosphorus is in Group 15 (VA) of the periodic table - Valence electrons: 5 electrons
Step 4:: Count Electrons in PF^5
- Total valence electrons: $$5 + (5 \times 7) = 40$$ electrons
- Phosphorus contributes 5 valence electrons - Each fluorine atom contributes 7 valence electrons
Step 5:: Determine Electron Distribution
- Remaining electrons: $$40 - 10 = 30$$ non-bonding electrons
- In PF^5, phosphorus forms 5 single bonds with fluorine atoms - Each P-F bond uses 2 electrons
Step 6:: Check Octet Rule for Central Phosphorus
- Phosphorus has 10 electrons in its valence shell (5 bonding + 5 non-bonding) - This exceeds the standard 8 -electron octet
Step 7:: Classify the Violation
- PF^5 has an expanded octet - Phosphorus uses its 3d orbitals to accommodate additional electrons - This is an example of an expanded octet (more than 8 electrons)
Final Answer
Yes, PF^5 violates the octet rule with an expanded octet. The central phosphorus atom has 10 electrons in its valence shell, which is two more than the standard octet of 8 electrons.
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