Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the maximum number of covalent bonds that carbon can form with nitrogen, exploring theoretical and practical aspects of bonding in chemistry. It includes considerations of valency, specific compounds, and historical context.
Discussion Character
- Homework-related
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant notes that they have not encountered a compound with more than 3 C-N bonds, questioning the validity of a source that states the maximum is 4.
- Another participant asks about the maximum number of bonds carbon can form with any element, indicating a broader inquiry into carbon's bonding capabilities.
- A participant highlights the ambiguity in the question regarding whether it refers to bonding with the same nitrogen atom.
- One participant suggests that if only one nitrogen atom is considered, the maximum would be 3, while also questioning the scenario if hydrogen were involved instead.
- Another participant confirms that carbon has a valency of 4 but expresses skepticism about carbon forming 4 bonds with a single atom, leaning towards 3 as a more realistic maximum.
- A claim is made that the bond order in C2 is 4, introducing a theoretical perspective on carbon bonding.
- A historical reference is made to tetranitromethane, noting its existence and sensitivity, while also mentioning past industrial attempts to produce it that ended in disaster.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the maximum number of covalent bonds carbon can form with nitrogen, with no consensus reached on whether it is 3 or 4. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of bonding scenarios.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the assumptions made about bonding scenarios, particularly regarding the interpretation of the question and the specific conditions under which carbon-nitrogen bonding is being evaluated.