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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: junbumkim on April 11, 2007, 10:05:27 PM

Title: Lewis Structure of Na3PO4
Post by: junbumkim on April 11, 2007, 10:05:27 PM

How would you draw Na₃PO₄?
In total it has 24 electron...but I can't seem to figure out how Na would be attached to PO₄
Help please...

Title: Re: Lewis Structure of Na3PO4
Post by: lemonoman on April 11, 2007, 11:00:20 PM

Na₃PO₄ might be better visualized as 3 Na⁺ ions with a PO₄^3- ion.

So draw a PO₄^3- ion's Lewis structure...then stick Na⁺ ions where you think they might want to go.

Hint: If you're trying to stick the Na atoms to P, that won't give you a valid structure.

Title: Re: Lewis Structure of Na3PO4
Post by: junbumkim on April 12, 2007, 07:11:28 AM

thanks for the help.

so total valence electron would be 5+24+3 = 32 for PO₄^- ?

8 electonrs are used to from 4 bonds between P and O. It leaves 24 electrons..
Then three oxgens would equally share 24 electrons, having 6 electrons per one oxgen atom.

Then Na would attach to 3 oxgens. Is there any special notation that I have to put on to indicate the bond between oxgen and Na is ionic?