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Topic: Valence bond theory question  (Read 2847 times)

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Offline maccha

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Valence bond theory question
« on: December 05, 2009, 08:26:14 PM »
My textbook asks to rationalize the existence of P4 (rather than P2) using the valence bond theory. Is this because in P4 phosphorus will hybridize and form more sigma bonds? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
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Offline UG

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Re: Valence bond theory question
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2009, 11:02:44 PM »
A P-P triple covalent bond has bond enthalpy = 481 kJ mol-1
A P-P single covalent bond has bond enthalpy = 200 kJ mol-1

Compare the energy released in the formation of P4 compared to the formation of two individual P2 molecules.

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Offline maccha

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Re: Valence bond theory question
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2009, 12:05:10 AM »
Right, but how would I explain this in terms of the valence bond theory?
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