A series of anions is shown below: The anion on the far right is called 'BARF' by chemists, as its common abbreviation sounds similar to this word. (c) Which, if any, of these anions has an expanded octet around its central atom?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the anions in the series and their central atoms.
2. Recall that an expanded octet occurs when a central atom has more than eight electrons in its valence shell.
3. Determine which elements can have expanded octets. Typically, elements in period 3 or higher can have expanded octets due to available d orbitals.
4. Examine each anion to see if the central atom is from period 3 or higher and if it has more than eight electrons around it.
5. Conclude which anion, if any, has an expanded octet based on the analysis of the central atom's electron count.

Key Concepts

Expanded Octet

An expanded octet refers to the ability of certain elements, typically those in the third period or below of the periodic table, to accommodate more than eight electrons in their valence shell. This occurs because these elements have d-orbitals available for bonding, allowing them to form stable compounds with more than four pairs of electrons.

Central Atom in Anions

In the context of anions, the central atom is the atom that is bonded to other atoms or groups within the ion. It is crucial to identify the central atom when determining the electron configuration and whether it can expand its octet, as this will influence the overall stability and reactivity of the anion.

Lewis Structures

Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They are essential for visualizing the arrangement of electrons around the central atom, helping to determine if an atom has an expanded octet by showing how many electrons are involved in bonding and lone pairs.