Ionic bonding question about "double" ionic bonds

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between a "double" ionic bond with two transferred electrons, such as in MgO, and a "single" ionic bond with one transferred electron, such as in NaCl. It is concluded that doubling the ionic charge significantly increases the bond energy, as seen in the equation F = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2}. It is also mentioned that it is not possible to create a double bond out of single charged ions, and the resulting compound would either be Cl- + NaCl or a structure similar to MgCl2. However, it is found that both compounds, NaCl2 and Na2Cl, do exist. It is unclear what determines
  • #1
ProjectFringe
96
10
Is a "double" ionic bond (the transfer of two electrons) like in MgO any stronger (or really any different, structurally etc.) than a "single" ionic bond (the transfer of one electron) like in NaCl?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes it is. Doubling the ionic charge nearly quadruples the bond energy.
 
  • Informative
Likes ProjectFringe
  • #3
Ionic bonds are mostly about simple Coulomb forces, these are quite easy to estimate with

[tex]F = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2}[/tex]

Just try to put what you wrote into the equation and you will see where @chemisttree answer comes from.
 
  • Informative
Likes ProjectFringe
  • #4
Is it possible then to make NaCl with a double ionic bond by combining in a lab Cl+ and Na-? Does this compound exist and if so what is it called (how to differentiate from normal NaCl)?
 
  • #5
No, you can't make a double bond out of single charged ions.

And you can't ionize Na nor Cl further - that is, in some exotic conditions you can, but when you combine them the Na2+ will steal an electron from Cl2- and they will live happily ever after in their local energetic optimum.
 
  • Informative
Likes ProjectFringe
  • #6
Got it. Thanks:biggrin:
 
  • #7
Borek said:
No, you can't make a double bond out of single charged ions.

And you can't ionize Na nor Cl further - that is, in some exotic conditions you can, but when you combine them the Na2+ will steal an electron from Cl2- and they will live happily ever after in their local energetic optimum.
Sorry, one more question. o_O

What reaction would occur between Cl2 and a Na-? Would a Cl atom steal an electron from Na, making Cl- + NaCl? Or would the Na- create an ionic bond with both Cl atoms creating a structure similar to MgCl2?
 
  • #8
ProjectFringe said:
Sorry, one more question. o_O

What reaction would occur between Cl2 and a Na-? Would a Cl atom steal an electron from Na, making Cl- + NaCl? Or would the Na- create an ionic bond with both Cl atoms creating a structure similar to MgCl2?

Actually, I was able to find both compounds here:

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/22590707

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/57736105

So, what makes the difference between which of these compound structures is formed, or are they the same thing?
 
  • #9
Sodium dichloride (assuming it exists) is not Na- + Cl2, if anything, I would treat it as Na+ + 2Cl-.
 
  • Like
Likes ProjectFringe

FAQ: Ionic bonding question about "double" ionic bonds

1. What is a "double" ionic bond?

A "double" ionic bond refers to a type of chemical bond where two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms, resulting in a stronger bond than a single ionic bond.

2. How is a "double" ionic bond different from a regular ionic bond?

In a regular ionic bond, only one pair of electrons is shared between two atoms. However, in a "double" ionic bond, two pairs of electrons are shared, resulting in a stronger bond.

3. What types of atoms typically form "double" ionic bonds?

"Double" ionic bonds are most commonly formed between atoms with large differences in electronegativity, such as metal and nonmetal atoms. This allows for a stronger attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions.

4. How is the strength of a "double" ionic bond determined?

The strength of a "double" ionic bond is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved. The greater the difference, the stronger the bond will be.

5. Can "double" ionic bonds occur in molecules other than simple ionic compounds?

Yes, "double" ionic bonds can occur in molecules other than simple ionic compounds. For example, in some covalent compounds, one atom may have a significantly higher electronegativity than the other, resulting in a "double" ionic bond between the two atoms.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
323
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
34
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
14K
Back
Top