Dipole-Dipole Attraction in Molecules: Analysis of BCl3, XeF4, AsH3, and SCl3

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dipole-dipole attractions in various molecules, specifically BCl3, XeF4, AsH3, and SCl3. Participants explore the molecular shapes and polarities to determine which compounds exhibit dipole-dipole interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that BCl3 is trigonal planar and suggests it is neutral due to balanced forces.
  • Another participant notes that XeF4 has a tetrahedral shape with a lone pair, leading to an imbalanced charge and dipole-dipole attraction.
  • A later reply claims AsH3 also has a tetrahedral shape with a lone pair, indicating it has dipole-dipole attraction.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about drawing the electron diagram for SCl3, mentioning a possible non-paired electron and a lack of resources on the compound.
  • Another participant agrees that SCl3 may not be stable and suggests checking for a typo in the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the molecular shapes of BCl3, XeF4, and AsH3, but there is uncertainty regarding SCl3, with some suggesting it may not be stable. Multiple competing views remain about the dipole-dipole attractions in these molecules.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the stability and existence of SCl3, as well as the accuracy of the Lewis structures for these compounds. Some assumptions about molecular geometry and polarity are not fully resolved.

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Homework Statement


8pFdEDX.png

http://i.imgur.com/8pFdEDX.png

Homework Equations


polarity of the element

The Attempt at a Solution


BCl3 is a trigonal planar which the forces would be balanced. Thus it is a neutral substance.
XeF4 is with tetrahedral shape where one side is a lone pair, which the charge is imbalanced and it has dipole dipole attraction between molecules.
However, I don't know the other two - AsH3 and SCl3, which one is with dipole dipole attraction between molecules? And why? Thank you very much!
 
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It is about shape of these molecules - are they symmetric enough to have a zero dipole moment?
 
A good starting point would be to draw the Lewis structures of each compound so that it's easier to figure out their geometry.
 
OK. I found AsH3 is with tetrahedral shape where one side is a lone pair, which the charge is imbalanced and it has dipole dipole attraction between molecules.

However, i can't even draw the electron diagram of SCl3. It seems there is a non-paired electron. There also no resources on SCl3 on the Internet.
The most similar structure I found is this one, SCl4. <https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Sulfur_tetrachloride.svg >
How to draw the Lewis structures of SCl3?
Thanks
 
I agree, SCl3 does not seem like it would be a stable compound. Can you check whether there was a typo in the question?
 

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