Why does each element only react with certain elements?

[herozs]

I want to know what causes this specificity of reactions in between elements. Why does carbon only react with X elements? What are the factors that come into play to cause this specificity?

From what I understand every element has the potential to bond with every other element but a lot of them would form unstable compounds and would dissociate quickly and so we say x element doesn't react with x element. For example could Na form a covalent bond with Ca but since they would form an unstable compound it quickly dissociates, so we say Na doesn't react with Ca?

So, does each element have the potential to bond with any other? and because many would form unstable compounds we say they don't react? If not, again what is it that causes the specificity?

PS- small question here that I don't think it deserves a thread.
When a polar bond dissociates does the more electronegative element always keeps the electron of the less electronegative element
(R-OH --> R-O: ( O with extra electron) H+)?

Also with non-polar bonds does the opposite happen when it dissociates (C-H -> C + H)?
Where both elements stay neutral?

Thank you very much.

 

[Simon Bridge]

I want to know what causes this specificity of reactions in between elements. Why does carbon only react with X elements? What are the factors that come into play to cause this specificity?

From what I understand every element has the potential to bond with every other element but a lot of them would form unstable compounds and would dissociate quickly and so we say x element doesn't react with x element. For example could Na form a covalent bond with Ca but since they would form an unstable compound it quickly dissociates, so we say Na doesn't react with Ca?

So, does each element have the potential to bond with any other? and because many would form unstable compounds we say they don't react? If not, again what is it that causes the specificity?

whether a covalent bond is formed depends on how many electrons are in the outermost shell (how full it is for eg) and what other possibilities there are that may be more likely. Eg. An atom could just strip the electrons from another one.

PS- small question here that I don't think it deserves a thread.
When a polar bond dissociates does the more electronegative element always keeps the electron of the less electronegative element
(R-OH --> R-O: ( O with extra electron) H+)?

not always but generally.
The element is more electronegative because the electron is more likely to be found close to it.

Also with non-polar bonds does the opposite happen when it dissociates (C-H -> C + H)?
Where both elements stay neutral?

no.

The dissociation of molecules can be quite complicated.
Some end configurations are more likely than others... But look at the stability of the possible ions in your example.

 

[herozs]

Okay thanks man, but for what reasons do we say X element will only react with X elements?

Or is it that all the elements have the potential to form bonds with every other element but a lot of the compounds that would form would be very unstable and just dissociate?

 

[Simon Bridge]

We "say" that stuff because that is true.
A noble gas, for instance, does not react with anything.

Platinum is an example of something that reacts so well with everything that it can tear other molecules apart in the process - but the bonds are so unstable that they break apart almost right away.

The comparison should help you with your question.

How stable the bonds are and what atoms will react with which depends on the electron configuration and what else they could do.

 

[LudusRex]

I can explain the specificity of reactions between elements through the concept of chemical bonding. Each element has a unique atomic structure, with a specific number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. These electrons are arranged in different energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus.

In order to attain a stable electronic configuration, elements will either gain, lose, or share electrons with other elements. This process is known as chemical bonding. However, not all elements have the same tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons. This is due to factors such as the number of valence electrons, electronegativity, and atomic size.

For example, carbon has four valence electrons and a moderate electronegativity, making it capable of forming covalent bonds with a variety of elements. On the other hand, elements like sodium and calcium have low electronegativities and a tendency to lose electrons, making them more likely to form ionic bonds with elements that have a higher electronegativity.

Additionally, the size of an atom also plays a role in the specificity of reactions. Smaller atoms have a stronger attraction for electrons, making them more likely to form covalent bonds, while larger atoms tend to form ionic bonds.

Furthermore, the stability of the resulting compound also plays a role in the specificity of reactions. As you mentioned, some combinations of elements may form unstable compounds that quickly dissociate, making the reaction less likely to occur.

In regards to your question about polar and non-polar bonds, the behavior of the elements during dissociation depends on the type of bond. In a polar bond, the more electronegative element will typically keep the shared electrons, while in a non-polar bond, both elements will keep their own electrons.

In conclusion, the specificity of reactions between elements is determined by several factors such as valence electrons, electronegativity, atomic size, and stability of resulting compounds. These factors work together to determine the types of bonds that can form between different elements.