What is the oxidation state of the group 3A element in each of the following compounds? (a) NaBF4 (b) GaCl3 (c) TlCl (d) B2H6

Name: Chemistry
Author: McMurry
ISBN: 9781292336145

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of oxidation states. The oxidation state (or oxidation number) of an element in a compound is a theoretical charge that an atom would have if all bonds to atoms of different elements were 100% ionic.

Step 2: Identify the known oxidation states of other elements in the compounds. For example, in NaBF4, sodium (Na) typically has an oxidation state of +1, and fluorine (F) typically has an oxidation state of -1.

Step 3: Apply the rule that the sum of oxidation states in a neutral compound is zero. For example, in NaBF4, the sum of the oxidation states of Na, B, and F must equal zero.

Step 4: Solve for the unknown oxidation state of the group 3A element in each compound. For example, in NaBF4, if Na is +1 and each F is -1, then the oxidation state of B can be found by setting up the equation: +1 + x + 4(-1) = 0, where x is the oxidation state of B.

Step 5: Repeat the process for each compound: (b) GaCl3, (c) TlCl, and (d) B2H6, using the known oxidation states of Cl (-1) and H (+1) to find the oxidation states of Ga, Tl, and B respectively.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxidation State

The oxidation state, or oxidation number, is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a compound based on the assumption that electrons are completely transferred. It helps in understanding the electron distribution in molecules and is crucial for determining how elements react chemically. Oxidation states can be positive, negative, or zero, and they follow specific rules for calculation.

Group 3A Elements

Group 3A elements, also known as Group 13 elements, include boron (B), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), indium (In), and thallium (Tl). These elements typically exhibit a +3 oxidation state in their compounds, although they can also show other oxidation states depending on the chemical environment. Understanding the common oxidation states of these elements is essential for predicting their behavior in chemical reactions.

Ionic and Covalent Compounds

Compounds can be classified as ionic or covalent based on the nature of the bond between their constituent atoms. Ionic compounds, formed between metals and nonmetals, involve the transfer of electrons, leading to the formation of charged ions. In contrast, covalent compounds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. Recognizing the type of compound helps in determining the oxidation states of the elements involved.