Is the 2BH3(g) to B2H6(g) Reaction Spontaneous or Endothermic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the thermodynamic nature of the reaction between 2BH3(g) and B2H6(g). Participants explore whether the reaction is spontaneous, endothermic, or exothermic, considering factors such as entropy and bond formation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the change in entropy (ΔSsystem) is negative due to the decrease in gas molecules, prompting questions about the spontaneity of the reaction.
  • Another participant suggests that there is a related quantity to ΔS that is necessary to determine spontaneity, indicating that more information is needed.
  • A different participant expresses concern about the lack of resources during exams, questioning if the reaction can be definitively classified as exothermic based solely on it being a synthesis reaction.
  • One participant speculates that the reaction might be exothermic because it involves forming new bonds, but acknowledges the need for caution due to the unique nature of diborane and the importance of heats of formation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of the reaction, with multiple competing views regarding its spontaneity and thermodynamic characteristics remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in accessing resources during exams and the need for specific data such as heats of formation to make definitive claims about the reaction's thermodynamics.

howareyoutoday
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2BH3(g)->B2H6(g)

Which is true?
a)The reaction is always non spontaneous.
b) The reaction is always spontaneous.
c) The reaction is sometimes spontaneous and sometimes not.
d)The reaction is endothermic.
e) two of the statements are right.

I know that deltaSsystem is negative. (Less gas molecules formed)
How do I do the rest?!
 
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You're on the right track thinking about the ΔS of the reaction. But there is another quantity, related to ΔS that tells you whether a reaction is spontaneous or not. What is that quantity and what other information do you need to calculate it?
 
We cannot have access to these ressources in exams. We should do it without references. Can we say for sure that the reaction is exothermic since the reaction is a synthesis reaction?
 
If I had to guess, I would guess the reaction would be exothermic because it involves forming new bonds (almost always exothermic) without having to break any existing bonds. However, diborane is a sufficiently weird compound that I would not trust that inutition without looking up the heats of formation.
 

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