Can a compound have multiple structures?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the existence of multiple structures for compounds, specifically sodium dichloride (Cl2Na-). Two different structural representations of sodium dichloride are presented, raising questions about their validity and whether they represent the same compound. The conversation highlights the concept of isomers, which are compounds with the same formula but different structures. There is skepticism regarding sodium dichloride as a real compound, with suggestions that it may be a hypothetical triple ion whose properties are derived from computational methods rather than experimental evidence. Additionally, the reaction dynamics of sodium (Na-) with chlorine (Cl2) are questioned, particularly whether it results in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl) and a separate unbonded chloride ion (Cl-), indicating a need for clarity on the stability and existence of Na- in practical scenarios.
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Please read about isomers.

I am not convinced sodium dichloride is a real compound, looks more like a hypothetical triple ion with its properties estimated by computational methods.
 
Borek said:
Please read about isomers.

I am not convinced sodium dichloride is a real compound, looks more like a hypothetical triple ion with its properties estimated by computational methods.
Then how does Na- react with Cl2? Does it create NaCl plus a separate unbonded Cl- ion? At least in terms of electron configuration it seems more balanced, right?o_O
 
No idea if it is even possible to make them react directly, Na- doesn't exist as a separate entity, only in exotic compounds.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes ProjectFringe

Thread 'Molecular-level explanation of macroscopic phenomena: dissolving'

What I know and please correct me: a macroscopic probe of raw sugar you can buy from the store can be modeled to be an almost perfect cube of a size of 0.7 up to 1 mm. Let's assume it was really pure, nothing else but a conglomerate of H12C22O11 molecules stacked one over another in layers with van de Waals (?) "forces" keeping them together in a macroscopic state at a temperature of let's say 20 degrees Celsius. Then I use 100 such tiny pieces to throw them in 20 deg water. I stir the...
View full post »

Similar threads

Skewed 3D visualization of E/Z in alkenes
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
987
Questions about the common-ion effect
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Memorizing Organic Chemistry: Structures, Reactions & Tips
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What Causes the Suffix Change in Ammonium Compounds?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Query about Vitamin ##K_1## and ##K_2##
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
What Do Flame Tests Reveal About Sodium and Chloride?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Can K2N2H2++ be produced through a first-principles approach?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Most dangerous chemicals?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
6K
What category of compound is this?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
NMR spectroscopy, ligand's influence
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K