Which Element Forms X2O3 with Oxygen?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying an element X that forms an ionic compound with oxygen, specifically with the formula X2O3. Participants explore various elements as potential candidates, examining their ionic charges and the implications for compound formation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the correct answer is Indium (In) based on charge balancing considerations, noting that Ba2+, Cs+, and Zn2+ would not balance with O2-.
  • Another participant proposes that phosphorus (P) could also be considered, but acknowledges that it is negatively charged, which complicates its inclusion.
  • A later reply mentions the theoretical existence of C2O3, suggesting that while it might be obscure, it could be a consideration.
  • One participant reflects on the idea that there could be multiple correct answers, specifically mentioning P2O3 as a compound but recognizing the question specifies ions.
  • Another participant expresses surprise at the mention of Indium(I) iodide and questions the current relevance of Indium in chemistry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on which element is the most likely identity of X, with no consensus reached. Some participants suggest multiple potential answers while others focus on Indium as a viable candidate.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of ionic charges in determining the correct element, and there is some confusion regarding the distinction between ions and compounds. The discussion also touches on the obscurity of certain theoretical compounds.

cp255
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A piece of unidentified element X reacts with oxygen to form an ionic compound with the chemical formula X2O3. Which of the following elements is the most likely identity of X?

A) Ba
B) Cs
C) In
D) P
E) Zn

I am doing exam practice questions and I came across this. The correct answer is C. I don't really know why.
 
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I think I figured it out. The charges wouldn't balance with Ba2+, Cs+, or Zn2+, and phosphorous is negative which just leaves In.
 
cp255 said:
A piece of unidentified element X reacts with oxygen to form an ionic compound with the chemical formula X2O3. Which of the following elements is the most likely identity of X?

A) Ba
B) Cs
C) In
D) P
E) Zn

I am doing exam practice questions and I came across this. The correct answer is C. I don't really know why.

cp255 said:
I think I figured it out. The charges wouldn't balance with Ba2+, Cs+, or Zn2+, and phosphorous is negative which just leaves In.

C?

I thought well theoretically you can imagine such a molecule as C2O3 (structure like an epoxide) but if it exists it must be pretty obscure (that appears to be the situation) mainly on the basis I haven't heard of it but maybe someone has a better reason. They wouldn't be asking you about it.

It seems to me for the rest the question can have two answers, but In is OK.
 
C not as in element, but C as in ABCDE answers given :wink:

I admit to make the same mistake initially.

From what I remember C2O3 was never observed (although several strange carbon oxides, like C3O2, have been made).
 
I said there was more than one right answer. However I was thinking of compounds, viz P2O3 but I now see the question specified ions not compounds, so that excludes P2O3 (as well as C2O3 )

I guess when I see X2O3, P comes to my mind much more easily than In.

But then I was quite struck when recently you said
Borek said:
Indium(I) iodide comes to mind.

I was thinking of asking your permission to put it in the 'favorite quotes' thread if you didn't mind. :biggrin:

Or has the chemistry of Indium become more important than it was? (I do know it is used on the touch screen I'm using right now (though not why) and that sources of it are running out.)
 
Selection of indium iodide was pretty random, that was just the first compound that come to my mind when I looked at the periodic table.
 

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