KOH. the structural formula for it

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the validity of expressing the structural formula for potassium hydroxide (KOH) and whether structural formulae are applicable to ionic compounds. Participants explore the nature of bonding in KOH, particularly the distinction between ionic and covalent bonds.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of expressing KOH with a structural formula, noting that structural formulae may not apply to ions.
  • Another participant agrees that structural representations shown in introductory chemistry courses do not make sense for ionic compounds.
  • A further inquiry is made about the appropriateness of structural formulae for covalent compounds, seeking clarification on the nature of bonds.
  • One participant discusses the concept of directionality in bonding, suggesting that while ionic bonds are generally not directional, the dipole nature of OH- in KOH introduces some level of directionality.
  • The distinction between covalent and ionic bonds is emphasized, with a note that covalent bonds are directional and contribute to molecular shape.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of structural formulae to ionic compounds, with some agreeing that they are not suitable, while others raise questions about the nuances of bonding in KOH.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the nature of ionic versus covalent bonds and the representation of these bonds in structural formulae, with unresolved questions about the implications of directionality in ionic compounds.

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Is it valid to express KOH in this way (see attached image)?

I wasn't sure if structural formulae are applicable to ions.

The single bond to me denotes a covalent bond, which isn't applicable to the ionic compound KOH, is it?
 

Attachments

  • KOH.png
    KOH.png
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That's how these things are sometimes shown at the beginning of the chemistry course, but - as you correctly guessed - they don't make any sense for ionic compounds.
 
Borek said:
That's how these things are sometimes shown at the beginning of the chemistry course, but - as you correctly guessed - they don't make any sense for ionic compounds.

So a single bond represented by a single line is not applicable to ionic compounds?

What about "structural formulae", are they not appropriate for covalent compounds?

Can you explain please?
 
Line suggests kind of directionality of the bond - ions bonds are (in general) not directional. That's not exactly true, as for example OH- is a dipole, so in KOH - given chance - it will tend to put negatively charged oxygen closer to positively charged potassium; in a way that's kind of directionality.

OTOH covalent bonds are directional and they are responsible for molecule shape, so drawing them as lines makes sense (the only problem being - they are usually drawn on the flat surface, while molecules are not necessarily flat).
 

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