Can a compound have multiple structures?

AI Thread 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 'Humidity of a saturated NaCl solution with anticaking additive'

I want to test a humidity sensor with one or more saturated salt solutions. The table salt that I have on hand contains one of two anticaking agents, calcium silicate or sodium aluminosilicate. Will the presence of either of these additives (or iodine for that matter) significantly affect the equilibrium humidity? I searched and all the how-to-do-it guides did not address this question. One research paper I found reported that at 1.5% w/w calcium silicate increased the deliquescent point by...
View full post »

Thread 'Why does having 8 valence electrons make an element inert?'

I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!
View full post »

Thread 'Resists for etching Aluminium with NaOH'

I'm trying to find a cheap DIY method to etch holes of various shapes through 0.3mm Aluminium sheet using 5-10% Sodium Hydroxide. The idea is to apply a resist to the Aluminium then selectively ablate it off using a diode laser cutter and then dissolve away the Aluminium using Sodium Hydroxide. By cheap I mean resists costing say £20 in small quantities. The Internet has suggested various resists to try including... Enamel paint (only survived seconds in the NaOH!) Acrylic paint (only...
View full post »

Similar threads

Skewed 3D visualization of E/Z in alkenes
Replies
2
Views
806
Questions about the common-ion effect
Replies
4
Views
2K
Memorizing Organic Chemistry: Structures, Reactions & Tips
Replies
1
Views
2K
What Causes the Suffix Change in Ammonium Compounds?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Query about Vitamin ##K_1## and ##K_2##
Replies
2
Views
3K
What Do Flame Tests Reveal About Sodium and Chloride?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Can K2N2H2++ be produced through a first-principles approach?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Most dangerous chemicals?
Replies
46
Views
6K
What category of compound is this?
Replies
16
Views
2K
NMR spectroscopy, ligand's influence
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top