Which Compounds Have Both 2c-2e and 3c-4e Bonds?

  • Thread starter Thread starter utkarshakash
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bonds
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying compounds that contain both 2c-2e bonds and 3c-4e bonds. Participants explore the definitions and implications of these types of bonds in the context of specific compounds, particularly Be2Cl4 and others listed in a homework question.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that for a 3c-4e bond, three atoms must be present, indicating that option C (SnCl2)∞ is correct, but the answer is stated as D (both A and C).
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "3c-4e," seeking clarification on whether it refers to three carbon atoms and four electrons.
  • Multiple participants describe the bonding in Be2Cl4, explaining that the two Be atoms are bridged by two Cl atoms, which contribute to the bonding structure.
  • There is a request for clarification on the terminology of 2c-2e and 3c-4e bonds, with one participant providing a general explanation that relates the number of centers and electrons involved in the bonding.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the explanation of the bonding terms, indicating a desire for further understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct answer to the homework question, and there is some uncertainty regarding the definitions and implications of the bonding terms discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of 2c-2e and 3c-4e bonds, as well as the specific bonding structures in the compounds mentioned. Some assumptions about the nature of the bonds and their representations may not be fully clarified.

utkarshakash
Gold Member
Messages
852
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


Which of the following compounds contains both 2c-2e bond and 3c-4e bond?
A) Be2Cl4 B) B2Cl4 C) (SnCl2) D) both A and C


The Attempt at a Solution



For 3c-4e bond, there must be 3 atoms present. So correct option should be C but the answer is D.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Check the structure for Be2Cl4. You'll see.
 
By 3c-4e do you mean 3 carbon 4 electron bond?
 
AGNuke said:
Check the structure for Be2Cl4. You'll see.

I'm not sure if I correctly understand the term "3c-4e" but I guess it must have 3 centres. Can you please explain what's that?
 
In Be2Cl4, the two Be atoms are bridged by two Cl atoms. So, if you consider a Be-Cl-Be bridge, the Cl originally belongs to one of the Be atoms, thus accounting for a bond pair in the bridge. But that Cl atom donates its electron pair to the other Be atom so as to fill its empty orbitals, accounting for the other pair in the bridge.
 
AGNuke said:
In Be2Cl4, the two Be atoms are bridged by two Cl atoms. So, if you consider a Be-Cl-Be bridge, the Cl originally belongs to one of the Be atoms, thus accounting for a bond pair in the bridge. But that Cl atom donates its electron pair to the other Be atom so as to fill its empty orbitals, accounting for the other pair in the bridge.

OK. So why is it called 2c-2e and 3c-4e bond?What do these terms mean in general?
 
Last edited:
Bonds are made by electrons, and bonds anchor the "centres". It is just some terminologies people like to come up with. If there are two atoms bonded by 2 electrons (a single bond), it is 2c-2e bond. If the overall bond is connecting 3 atoms and 4 electrons are playing the role of bonding, it is simply 3c-4e bond.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
AGNuke said:
Bonds are made by electrons, and bonds anchor the "centres". It is just some terminologies people like to come up with. If there are two atoms bonded by 2 electrons (a single bond), it is 2c-2e bond. If the overall bond is connecting 3 atoms and 4 electrons are playing the role of bonding, it is simply 3c-4e bond.

Thanks for explaining so nicely.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K