Is a Double Bond Required in the Lewis Structure of SnCl2?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Lewis structure of SnCl2, specifically whether a double bond between chlorine and tin is necessary. Participants explore the application of the octet rule and its relevance to tin and chlorine in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of a double bond in the Lewis structure of SnCl2, noting a teacher's assertion that chlorine can form a single bond when it is not the central atom.
  • Another participant suggests that tin has one free electron pair and forms single bonds with the chlorines, which achieve full octets, while noting that the octet rule does not apply to tin.
  • It is mentioned that the octet rule primarily applies to elements in the second period of the periodic table, with some participants expressing confusion about its applicability to other elements.
  • Some participants argue that the octet rule and Lewis structures are simplifications that do not always accurately represent chemical reality.
  • There is a suggestion that the octet rule is considered a main rule in some educational contexts, with exceptions noted for certain compounds.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the octet rule to tin and the necessity of a double bond in SnCl2. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on these points.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying educational materials and experiences, indicating that interpretations of the octet rule may differ based on the source. There is also mention of the complexity of Lewis structures and their limitations.

blue bloom
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a question in Lewis structure?

I know that Lewis structure is so easy to discuss ..but I have this compound :
SnCl2
when I drew the Lewis structure of its , I had to make Double bond between the Cl & Sn
..but a teacher told me once that when the Cl is not the central atom it can just make a single bond ..
so that it looks so weird for me !
Is it an abnormal case -like PO4- ?
what is the real structure ?
 
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One free electron pair on tin, single bonds to the chlorines which have full octets.
(The octet rule doesn't apply to tin.)
 


alxm said:
(The octet rule doesn't apply to tin.)

More precisely, octet rule works mainly for the second period of periodic table.

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Don't worry - there is no obvious border where it works, where it doesn't. Octet rule and Lewis structures are only a simplification of the reality, no wonder they regularly fail.

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actually ..in MY book they are talking about the octet rule as a main rule
I mean.. it works with all the compounds except some odd of them
& I still do not know the structure of (SnCl2):shy:
 


blue bloom said:
actually ..in MY book they are talking about the octet rule as a main rule
I mean.. it works with all the compounds except some odd of them

Let me guess - that's your first year of chemistry?

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