AsO43- (Arsenate Ion)

Moderators: Chem_Mod, Chem_Admin

ashleyhchung
Posts: 43
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2024 7:51 am

AsO43- (Arsenate Ion)

Postby ashleyhchung » Tue Nov 12, 2024 3:13 am

For Arsenate Ion's Lewis structure, why is there only one double bond to the oxygen and not for all 4? I thought expanded octet meant you could have many more valence electrons.

Brandon Noimany 2C
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2024 7:48 am

Re: AsO43- (Arsenate Ion)

Postby Brandon Noimany 2C » Tue Nov 12, 2024 8:10 am

Hi,

Arsenic does have an expanded octet because it is a bigger molecule, although its outermost shell only has FIVE valence e-, therefore it can only hold a maximum of five bonds (instead of the standard four). Thus, in the arsenate ion, it has only one double bond with an oxygen to make 5 total shared e- pairs (5 bonds, effectively; 3 single bonds and one double bond).

Hope this helps!

Anton Baranov 2F
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2024 8:08 am

Re: AsO43- (Arsenate Ion)

Postby Anton Baranov 2F » Tue Nov 12, 2024 8:39 am

Using one double bond minimizes the formal charge and keeps the structure stable.


Return to “Lewis Structures”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests