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.