a)
•
CO2 is a linear and nonpolar molecule.
• It has a very weak intermolecular forces of attraction (i.e. Van Der Waals forces) and therefore exists in gaseous form.
•
SiO2 is a covalent three-dimensional network solid is whether each Silicon atom is covalently bonded in a tetrahedral manner to
4 oxygen atoms.
• Each O Atom in turn is covalently bonded to another Si as shown in the diagram:
• Like
C, Si cannot form
pπ−pπ bonding with other atoms and therefore forms
4 covalent bonds with O atoms
• Thus, the entire structure may be considered as a giant molecule forming a solid structure.
b)
•Valence shell of C atom does not have any vacant d-orbitals and therefore cannot expand its octet by increasing its covalency beyond
4 covalent bonds.
• Si has an empty 3d orbital and can accept lone pairs of electrons to expand its covalency beyond 4 bonds.
• Thus,
Si can accept electrons from
F− ion to form
6 bond and exist as
[SiF6]2−. Valence shell of C atom does not have any vacant d-orbitals and therefore cannot expand its octet by increasing its covalency beyond
4 covalent bonds.
Si has an empty
3d orbital and can accept lone pairs of electrons to expand its covalency beyond
4 bonds.
•Valence shell of C atom does not have any vacant d-orbitals and therefore cannot expand its octet by increasing its covalency beyond 4 covalent bonds.
• Si has an empty 3d orbital and can accept lone pairs of electrons to expand its covalency beyond 4 bonds.
• Thus,
Si can accept electrons from
F− ion to form 6 bond and exist as
[SiF6]2−. Thus,
Si can accept electrons from
F− ion to form 6 bond and exist as
[SiF6]2−.
• Also, the smaller size of C cannot accommodate the six F atoms around it.
• Due to all these factors, C is unable to form
[CF6]2− anion.