A question regarding oxidation numbers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of oxidation numbers, specifically why certain elements, like chlorine, exhibit only specific oxidation states. The scope includes theoretical reasoning and conceptual clarification regarding oxidation states and their energetic implications.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why chlorine can only assume certain oxidation numbers, citing specific examples of -1, 1, 3, 5, and 7.
  • Another participant suggests that while there is no strict prevention of chlorine having oxidation numbers of 2 or 4, these states are energetically unfavorable due to the nature of chlorine's valence electrons.
  • A third participant challenges the assertion that chlorine cannot have oxidation numbers of 2 and 4, providing links to compounds that exhibit these oxidation states and emphasizing that oxidation numbers are assigned based on rules rather than inherent atomic properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and stability of oxidation numbers 2 and 4 for chlorine, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the energetic favorability and the assignment of oxidation numbers.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding oxidation numbers, particularly regarding the energetic implications and the definitions used to assign these numbers. There is also a lack of consensus on the existence of certain oxidation states for chlorine.

espen180
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How come atoms have only a few oxidation numbers they can assume? For example, Cl can have the oxidation numbers -1, 1, 3, 5, 7. What prevents it from having an oxidation number of say, 2 or 4?
 
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Nothing prevents it. It's just energetically unfavorable. That is, the other states have significantly lower energy.

You can really dive in here with how 'deeply' you want to explain it, but to just give the cursory, simplest answer: Chlorine has an odd number of valence electrons (7). If it gained or lost an even number, it'd still have an odd number. The resulting compound would be a radical, which are generally high in energy.
 
I get it now. Thanks for the help.
 

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