The discussion centers around the polarity of carbon disulfide (CS2) and aluminum sulfide (Al2S3), exploring the nature of these compounds and their intermolecular forces. It includes considerations of molecular structure, ionic versus molecular compounds, and the implications for intermolecular forces.
Participants express disagreement regarding the classification of Al2S3 as a molecule, with some asserting it is an ionic compound. There is no consensus on the nature of Al2S3, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the polarity of both compounds.
The discussion highlights the distinction between molecular and ionic compounds, as well as the implications for intermolecular forces. There is an emphasis on the need for clarity in terminology to avoid confusion.
abitslow said:If there is a homework problem in back of this, please post there. Otherwise, please explain what you are basing your assumptions on, especially in the case of the aluminum compound. Unless you are speaking about exotic chemistry, assuming Al2S3 is a molecule is unjustified. In the solid state, Al occupies the tetrahedral holes of the HCP sulfide "ions", but may do this is a regular fashion, many allotropes are known.
cosmictide said:Al2S3 forms a dipole-dipole force between molecules if it's a polar molecule.
Borek said:You were already told there is most likely no such thing as Al2S3 molecule.
Just like there is no NaCl molecule.
cosmictide said:I assumed such ionic compounds to exist. Thanks.
Borek said:Ionic compounds don't have typical molecules. This is what we are trying to tell you from the very first post.