2 questions please:
The highest positive oxidation number that chlorine can exhibit an any compound is +7, whereas its most negative oxidation number is -1. Write the electron configuration of chlorine and explain why these are limiting oxidation numbers for chlorine.
Indicate whether the following species could possibly function as reducing agents:
a. Mg 2+
b. Ca
c. H2
Explain your reasoning.
Thank you in advance
1. The electron configuration of chlorine is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5. This means that chlorine has 17 electrons in total. To understand why +7 is the highest positive oxidation number for chlorine, we need to consider the valence electrons. In the case of chlorine, it has 7 valence electrons in its outermost energy level (3s2 3p5). When chlorine forms compounds, it tends to gain an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration of a noble gas (argon) with 8 valence electrons. By gaining one electron, chlorine achieves a stable octet configuration and takes on a -1 oxidation number.
On the other hand, to reach its highest oxidation state of +7, chlorine would have to lose all of its 7 valence electrons. However, chlorine has a relatively high electronegativity, which means it strongly attracts electrons towards itself. Losing all 7 electrons would require a significant amount of energy and is highly unfavorable. Therefore, +7 is the highest oxidation number that chlorine can exhibit.
2. To determine whether a species can function as a reducing agent, we need to consider its ability to lose electrons. A reducing agent is a species that donates electrons, causing another species to gain them (oxidation-reduction reactions).
a. Mg2+: In its 2+ oxidation state, magnesium has lost two electrons, which indicates its ability to lose electrons and therefore act as a reducing agent.
b. Ca: Calcium is a metal that generally loses two electrons to achieve a stable configuration. In its neutral state, it has 20 electrons. However, to determine if it could function as a reducing agent, we need to know the specific oxidation state of calcium. Without that information, we cannot definitively say if it can act as a reducing agent.
c. H2: Hydrogen normally exists as H2 gas, with each hydrogen atom sharing electrons to form the covalent bond. Since hydrogen is already in its lowest oxidation state (+1), it cannot further lose electrons.
In conclusion, Mg2+ can function as a reducing agent due to its ability to lose electrons, whereas H2 cannot since it is already at its lowest oxidation state. The possibility of Ca acting as a reducing agent depends on its specific oxidation state, which is not provided.