Why does O acquire a positive charge in the reaction

In summary, the image attached shows a reaction where the lone pair over O is used to make a bond with C. This results in a + charge on O, which may seem like a deficiency of 1 electron. However, the charge is just shifted and the total number of protons and electrons remains the same. When the carbon atom forms a bond with H, it gains back the electron it was short on and also gains an electron from H, resulting in a fully completed octet. This charge shift is due to charge localization on the molecule, but the overall charge remains the same.
  • #1
andyrk
658
5
The reaction is shown in the image attached. So the lone pair over O goes into making a bond with C. But why does it create a + over O? A + means the number of protons are one more than electrons, or deficiency of 1 electron. But if the lone pair is used up for making a bond, shouldn't it result into a 2+ charge and not just a single +?
 

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  • #2
You started with a cation, nothing has changed in terms of total number of protons of electrons - charge just shifted.
 
  • #3
Why did the charge shift?
The cation (i.e the carbon atom) in beginning had deficiency of 1 electron. That's why it had a + charge on it. But when it forms a bond with H, it gets back the electron that it was short on and also gets another electron (as H carried 2 electrons with it on its way to C+) so as to fully complete its octet. How is that C even related to O which not even directly connected to it?
 
  • #4
As long as the molecule is isolated, its charge can't change (this is the charge conservation at work). The only thing that can change is the charge localization on the molecule. When the electrons move between bonds/atoms, charge shifts - but it doesn't change. So if you start with a +1 molecules, it stays at +1 as long as it doesn't loose or accept an electron.
 

FAQ: Why does O acquire a positive charge in the reaction

1. Why does O acquire a positive charge in the reaction?

The element oxygen (O) acquires a positive charge in a reaction due to the loss of one or more electrons. This occurs when O atoms bond with more electronegative atoms, such as fluorine or chlorine, which have a greater ability to attract electrons. As a result, the O atom becomes positively charged, while the other atom(s) involved in the reaction become negatively charged.

2. How does the reaction cause O to gain a positive charge?

In a chemical reaction, atoms often undergo changes in their electron configuration in order to achieve a more stable state. This can involve the transfer of electrons between atoms, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions. In the case of oxygen, it tends to gain a positive charge by losing electrons to other atoms with higher electronegativity, such as metals or nonmetals.

3. What factors influence the acquisition of a positive charge by O in a reaction?

The acquisition of a positive charge by O in a reaction is influenced by several factors. These include the electronegativity of the other atoms involved, the number of electrons being transferred, and the overall structure and stability of the resulting molecule or ion. Additionally, external factors such as temperature and pressure can also impact the charge acquired by O in a reaction.

4. Can O acquire a positive charge in other types of reactions?

Yes, O can acquire a positive charge in various types of reactions, including oxidation and reduction reactions, as well as acid-base reactions. In these reactions, the O atom may gain or lose electrons depending on the specific conditions and reactants involved. This charge acquisition is a fundamental aspect of chemical reactions and is essential for the formation of new compounds.

5. Is the acquisition of a positive charge by O reversible?

In most cases, the acquisition of a positive charge by O in a reaction is reversible. This means that the O atom can regain its original number of electrons and return to a neutral state. However, this may not always be the case, as some reactions can result in the permanent loss of electrons by O. Additionally, the conditions and reactants involved in a reaction can also impact the reversibility of O's charge acquisition.

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