The phosphonium ion, PH⁺₄ is formed by reaction of phosphine, PH₃ , with an acid. d. Explain why the ion has a +1 charge.

Verified step by step guidance

1. insert step 1> Start by identifying the reactants and products in the reaction: phosphine (PH₃) and an acid, which typically donates a proton (H⁺).
2. insert step 2> Recognize that phosphine (PH₃) is a neutral molecule with no overall charge.
3. insert step 3> Understand that when phosphine reacts with an acid, it accepts a proton (H⁺) from the acid.
4. insert step 4> Realize that the addition of a proton (H⁺) to phosphine results in the formation of the phosphonium ion (PH₄⁺).
5. insert step 5> Conclude that the phosphonium ion has a +1 charge because it has gained one extra proton, which carries a positive charge, while the number of electrons remains unchanged.

Key Concepts

Phosphonium Ion

A phosphonium ion, such as PH⁺₄, is a positively charged species formed when phosphine (PH₃) reacts with a proton (H⁺). In this reaction, the phosphine molecule donates a lone pair of electrons to the proton, resulting in the formation of the ion. This process is common in organic and inorganic chemistry, where neutral molecules can become cationic through protonation.

Charge of Ions

The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons. In the case of the phosphonium ion, the addition of a proton to the neutral phosphine molecule increases the total positive charge by one, leading to a +1 charge. This concept is fundamental in understanding how ions are formed and their behavior in chemical reactions.

Protonation Reaction

Protonation is a chemical reaction where a proton (H⁺) is added to a molecule, resulting in the formation of a cation. In the case of phosphine, the protonation leads to the creation of the phosphonium ion. This type of reaction is crucial in acid-base chemistry and plays a significant role in various biochemical processes and synthetic pathways.