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4.7: Periodic Trends in π Bonding

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    As we noted in Section 2.3, pπ-bonding almost always involves a second-row element.

    We encounter π-bonding from the sideways overlap of p-orbitals in the MO diagrams of second-row diatomics (B2…O2). It is important to remember that π-bonds are weaker than σ bonds made from the same AOs, and are especially weak if they involve elements beyond the second row.

    Example:

     Ethylene: Stable molecule, doesn't polymerize without a catalyst.

     Silylene: Never isolated, spontaneously polymerizes. Calculations indicate 117 kJ/mol stability in the gas phase relative to singly-bonded (triplet) H2Si-SiH2.

    The large Ne core of Si atoms inhibits sideways overlap of 3p orbitals → weak π-bond.

    Other examples: P4 vs. N2

    P cannot make π-bonds with itself, so it forms a tetrahedral molecule with substantial ring strain. This allotrope of P undergoes spontaneous combustion in air. Solid white phosphorus very slowly converts to red phosphorus, a more stable allotrope that contains sheets of pyramidal P atoms, each with bonds to three neighboring atoms and one lone pair.

    White phosphorus (P4) is a soft, waxy solid that ignites spontaneously in air, burning with a bright flame and generating copious white P4O10 smoke. The sample shown here is photographed under water to prevent the oxidation reaction

    N can make π-bonds, so N2 has a very strong triple bond and is a relatively inert diatomic gas.

    (CH3)2SiO vs. (CH3)2CO

    “RTV” silicone polymer (4 single bonds to Si) vs. acetone (C=O double bond). Silicones are soft, flexible polymers that can be heated to high temperatures (>300 °C) without decomposing. Acetone is a flammable molecular liquid that boils at 56 °C.

    Silicone polymers (R2SiO)n are used in non-stick cookware like these muffin cups, in Silly Putty, soft robotics, and many other applications.

    Exceptions:

    2nd row elements can form reasonably strong π-bonds with the smallest of the 3rd row elements, P, S, and Cl. Thus we find S=N bonds in sulfur-nitrogen compounds such as S2N2 and S3N3-, P=O bonds in phosphoric acid and P4O10 (shown above), and a delocalized π-molecular orbital in SO2 (as in ozone).


    4.7: Periodic Trends in π Bonding is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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