Why Is NCl5 Formation Impossible?

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In summary, The individual was confused about which choice was correct for a problem. They chose options 2 and 3, but only option 1 was correct. The person then questioned why option 3 was wrong, thinking that nitrogen (N2) is highly inert. However, the other person clarified that while N2 may be inert, nitrogen itself can form many compounds. The confusion stemmed from mixing up the properties of an element (nitrogen) with a gaseous compound (N2). The individual then thanked the other person for the clarification.
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Janiceleong26
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Homework Statement


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The Attempt at a Solution


I chose choice no.2&3 but only choice no.1 is correct. I've understand why no.2 is wrong, but why is no.3 wrong? I thought N exists as N2, which is highly inert?
 
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N2 is highly inert, but it doesn't mean nitrogen is inert - there are many nitrogen compounds. You are mistaking properties of an element (nitrogen) with a gaseous compound N2.
 
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Borek said:
N2 is highly inert, but it doesn't mean nitrogen is inert - there are many nitrogen compounds. You are mistaking properties of an element (nitrogen) with a gaseous compound N2.
Oh I see, ok thank you
 

FAQ: Why Is NCl5 Formation Impossible?

Why is it not possible to form NCl5?

The molecule NCl5 is not possible to form because nitrogen (N) does not have enough valence electrons to bond with five chlorine (Cl) atoms. Nitrogen only has three valence electrons, while chlorine typically forms single bonds by sharing one electron with another atom. Therefore, NCl5 would require a total of 15 valence electrons, which is not possible for nitrogen to provide.

Can nitrogen form compounds with more than 4 chlorine atoms?

No, nitrogen cannot form compounds with more than 4 chlorine atoms. Due to its electronic configuration, nitrogen can only form a maximum of three bonds with other atoms. Therefore, the maximum number of chlorine atoms that can bond with nitrogen is four (NCl4).

Is NCl5 a stable molecule?

No, NCl5 is not a stable molecule. The compound has not been successfully synthesized and is predicted to be highly unstable due to the large number of valence electrons needed for bonding. Additionally, the bond angles and lengths required for NCl5 are not feasible according to the principles of chemical bonding.

Can NCl5 exist in any other form?

No, there is no other known form of NCl5. While some theoretical studies have proposed the existence of NCl5 in a gaseous state, there is no experimental evidence to support this claim. Furthermore, the molecule is expected to be highly reactive and unstable, making it difficult to isolate in any form.

What are the properties of NCl5?

Since NCl5 does not exist, it does not have any known properties. However, based on theoretical studies, it is predicted to be a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is also expected to be highly reactive and potentially explosive due to its unstable nature.

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