Question

Is ${\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{O}}^{\mathbf{+}}$ an electrophile?

Answer 1

Explanation:

${\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{O}}^{\mathbf{+}}$ is not an electrophile, Since ${\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{O}}^{\mathbf{+}}$ (Hydronium) does not have an empty orbital in its valence shell, it is unable to gain electrons.

1. $\mathbf{H}$ ${\mathbf{O}}^{\mathbf{+}}$ has a pair of electrons but is positively charged and, is unable to donate them.
2. Hence it does not act as a nucleophile.
3. ${\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{O}}^{\mathbf{+}}$, on the other hand, acts as an electrophile because it can act as a donor of the ${\mathbf{H}}^{\mathbf{+}}$ ion to the nucleophile by gaining a pair of electrons.
4. The hydronium ion needs to be considered for dealing with chemical processes that occur in aqueous solutions.
5. Its concentration concerning the hydroxide is a direct indicator of the pH of a solution.
6. Three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom make up the hydronium ion, which has a triangular pyramidal shape.
7. OH ions join with H ions to form water, while water molecules dissociate.
8. Being a polar molecule, water can attract ions.
9. This indicates that it has a partial charge, which in this example is a negative charge brought about by the fact that oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen $\mathbf{}\mathbf{}\mathbf{2}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{2}}\mathbf{O}\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{l}\mathbf{\right)}\mathbf{\rightleftharpoons }\mathbf{OH}\mathbf{-}\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{aq}\mathbf{\right)}\mathbf{+}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{3}}\mathbf{O}\mathbf{+}\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{aq}\mathbf{\right)}$
10. The concentration of hydronium in a solution determines its pH, depending on the charge in the hydronium concentration, the pH may increase or decrease.
11. As the concentration of hydronium increases, the pH decreases, making the fluid more acidic.

Hence, ${\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{O}}^{\mathbf{+}}$ is not an electrophile.