Which compounds are isoelectronic with CN-?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying compounds that are isoelectronic with the cyanide ion (CN-). Participants explore the concept of isoelectronicity, providing various compounds for consideration and discussing their electronic configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that CO is isoelectronic with CN- due to its triple bond.
  • Another participant clarifies that isoelectronicity is based on having the same electronic configuration, not solely on bond types.
  • A participant proposes that both NO+ and CO are isoelectronic with CN-, citing their triple bonds and electron counts.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the electronic structure of NO+, initially believing it to have a double bond.
  • A later reply confirms that NO+, CO, and CN- are indeed isoelectronic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement that CO and NO+ are isoelectronic with CN-, but the discussion includes differing interpretations of isoelectronicity and the electronic structures of the compounds mentioned. The topic remains somewhat contested, with varying opinions on which compounds qualify.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of isoelectronicity, particularly regarding the electronic configurations of NO+ and its bonding characteristics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying chemistry, particularly those interested in molecular structure and electronic configurations.

guiromero
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Hello,

I have a question about isoelectronicity from an MIT course:

Select each compound below that is isoelectronic with CN-.
a)O2 2- b)NO+ c)HF d)ClO- e)NO f)CO

My guess would be CO, because it's the only compound that has a triple bond.
Can anyone confirm if my guess is correct?

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
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guiromero said:
The problem is that the "Show Answer" button is not working.
Not the solution you are looking for, but:

In the past several months there is a new version of HTML and its associated features that has appeared on the Internet--- and many older browsers don't know what to do with those pages; buttons and features that don't work have become rather common!

Up until 6 months ago I was using a browser released in 2015 that suddenly didn't work here on PhysicsForums... I was forced to upgrade (and lose a bunch of functionality). :oldfrown:

The problem is spreading and even the upgrade has trouble with some sites now.

So it seems you are at the front-end of needing a browser upgrade. I hope you can find one that is not TOO obnoxious!

Oh! And :welcome:

Cheers,
Tom
 
Tom.G said:
Not the solution you are looking for, but:

In the past several months there is a new version of HTML and its associated features that has appeared on the Internet--- and many older browsers don't know what to do with those pages; buttons and features that don't work have become rather common!

Up until 6 months ago I was using a browser released in 2015 that suddenly didn't work here on PhysicsForums... I was forced to upgrade (and lose a bunch of functionality). :oldfrown:

The problem is spreading and even the upgrade has trouble with some sites now.

So it seems you are at the front-end of needing a browser upgrade. I hope you can find one that is not TOO obnoxious!

Oh! And :welcome:

Cheers,
Tom
Thanks for your help. But in this case, it's because the due date of the lesson has already passed.
 
What does "isoelectronic" mean?

(and no, it is not only CO, having triple bond is not the condition you are looking for)
 
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A molecule is isoelectronic with another if both have the same structure (positions and connectivities among atoms) and same electronic configurations, but they differ by what specific elements are at certain locations in the structure.

I firstly didn't realize that NO+ has a triple bond, I thought it had a double bond instead. That's why I thought the answer was only CO.

In this case, I think the answer would be NO+ and CO, because both of them have triple bonds and 10 electrons, alike CN-.

Do you think my assumption is correct?
 
Last edited:
Yes, NO+, CO and CN- are isoelectronic.
 

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