Chapter 7, Problem 70A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ionic bond formed between Aluminum and fluorine needs to be explained using orbital diagrams.

Concept introduction:

Molecules are bound together by different types of bonds namely ionic and covalent. Ionic bonds are formed when there is complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another. These atoms either lose or gain electrons to become negatively or positively charged ions. The forces of attraction between these ions cause the ionic bond formation.

Orbital notations are marked using boxes and arrow marks to represent the arrangement of all electrons.

Answer to Problem 70A

The aluminum will form ${\text{Al}}^{\text{3+}}$ and the Fluorine will form ${\text{F}}^{\text{-}}$ wherein Aluminum will bond with 3 fluorine atoms.

Explanation of Solution

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to the other. The metal atoms, an electrons donor, loses electrons to form a positively charged ion while the non-metal atoms, electron acceptor, gains electrons to form negatively charged ions. During the process of donating or gaining electrons, the atoms follow octet rule to attain a stable noble gas configuration.

Aluminum has atomic number of 13 with electronic configuration as $\left[\text{Ne}\right]3{\text{s}}^{2}3{\text{p}}^1$. There are three outermost electrons which Aluminum will lose to form ion, ${\text{Al}}^{\text{3+}}$.

Fluorine has atomic number as 9 with electronic configuration as ${\text{1s}}^2{\text{2s}}^2{\text{2p}}^5$. It has 7 valence electrons and needs only one electron to get octet configuration. It will gain one electron to form ${\text{F}}^{\text{-}}$.

The orbital notation for aluminum and Fluorine is given below. As aluminum can give up 3 electrons, and Fluorine is in need of only one electron, 3 electrons of Aluminum will donate to 3 fluorine atoms.

Conclusion

The aluminum will form ${\text{Al}}^{\text{3+}}$ and the Fluorine will form ${\text{F}}^{\text{-}}$ wherein Aluminum will bond with 3 fluorine atoms.