An element X reacts with oxygen to form XO2 and with chlorine to form XCl4. XO2 is a white solid that melts at high temperatures (above 1000 °C). Under usual conditions, XCl4 is a colorless liquid with a boiling point of 58 °C. (a) XCl4 reacts with water to form XO2 and another product. What is the likely identity of the other product?

Key Concepts

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions involve the transformation of reactants into products through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. In this case, the reaction of XCl4 with water illustrates a hydrolysis reaction, where water reacts with a compound to produce new substances, including an oxide and an acid or another product.

Oxides and Halides

Oxides are compounds formed by the reaction of an element with oxygen, while halides are compounds formed with halogens like chlorine. The question indicates that X forms XO2 (an oxide) and XCl4 (a halide), which suggests that X is likely a non-metal that can form stable compounds with both oxygen and chlorine.

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H+) between reactants. In the context of the reaction between XCl4 and water, the likely other product is an acid formed from the chlorine component, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), indicating that XCl4 acts as a Lewis acid in this reaction.