HOMEWORK 4

1. The ions H2+ has been observed in gas discharges. H2+ has been reported to have a
bond distance of 106 pm and a bond dissociation enthalpy of 255 kJ.mol–1. Comparable
values for the neutral molecule are 74.2 pm and 436 kJ.mol–1. Explain.
2. Suggest explanations for the following trends in data.
a. In gas-phase CH4, NH3 and H2O, the angles H–C–H = 109.5o, H–N–H = 106.7o and
H–O–H = 104.5o.
b. The viscosity decreases along the series of liquids H3PO4 > H2SO4 > HClO4.
3. Classify each of the following hydrides as saline (ionic), molecular or metallic:
a. BaH2 b. SiH4 c. UH3
d. AsH3 e. HI f. NH3
4. Identify the compounds from Problem 3 that provide the most pronounced example
of the following chemical characteristics and give a balanced equation that illustrates
each of the characteristics:
a. ionic character b. Bronsted acidity c. Lewis basicity
5. Stibane, SbH3 (ΔfHo = +145 kJ.mol–1) decomposes above –45°C). Assess the
difficulty in preparing a sample of BiH3 (ΔfHo = +278 kJ.mol–1) and suggest a method
for its preparation.
6. What is the trend in hydridic character of BH4–, AlH4−, and GaH4−? Which is the
strongest reducing agent?
7. Suggest products for the following reactions in suitable non-aqueous medium
a. SiCl4 + LiAlH4 b. NH3 + KH
c. C2H5OH + CaH2 d. LiH(excess) + AlCl3
8. Summarize the relationship between ionic radii, ionization energy, and metallic
character.
9. a. Write down an equation that defines the process to which the value of IE3 of
aluminum (Al) refers. Is this process exothermic or endothermic?
b. To what overall process does a value of (IE1 + IE2 + IE3) for Al refer?
10. The first four IEs of an atom X are 403, 2633, 3900 and 5080 kJ.mol–1. Suggest to
what periodic group X belongs and explain.
11. The graph of IE versus atomic number for elements Na through Ar in the following
Figure shows maxima at Mg and P and minima at Al and S. Explain these maxima and
minima.

12. Which one of each of the following pairs is the more electronegative. Explain.
a. Na or Cs b. Ge or Se c. Si or O
13. Classify each of the following oxides as acidic, basic, or amphoteric:
a. Na2O b. SiO2 c. SnO d. Sb2O5