Problem 109 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Which of the following is an explosive compound? (a) \(\mathrm{XeOF}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{2}\) (c) \(\mathrm{XeO}_{3}\) (d) \(\mathrm{XeOF}_{4}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The explosive compound is \( \mathrm{XeO}_3 \).

Step 1: Understanding the Characteristics of an Explosive

In general, explosive compounds are typically unstable and can release large amounts of energy quickly. This often involves rapid decomposition or reaction that results in the formation of gases, contributing to a sudden increase in volume and pressure.

Step 2: Identifying Xenon Compounds

Examine the given compounds involving xenon:- \(\mathrm{XeOF}_2\) contains xenon, oxygen, and fluorine.- \(\mathrm{XeF}_2\) contains only xenon and fluorine.- \(\mathrm{XeO}_3\) contains xenon and oxygen.- \(\mathrm{XeOF}_4\) contains xenon, oxygen, and fluorine.

Step 3: Analyzing Stability and Potential Explosiveness

Now let's consider the stability and structure of these compounds:1. \(\mathrm{XeOF}_2\): Typically forms a stable compound and is not known to be explosive.2. \(\mathrm{XeF}_2\): Known as a stable and non-explosive compound.3. \(\mathrm{XeO}_3\): Known to be a very powerful and unstable explosive due to its xenon-oxygen bond.4. \(\mathrm{XeOF}_4\): Usually more stable, resembling other stable Xe-fluorine compounds.

Step 4: Conclusion

From this analysis, \(\mathrm{XeO}_3\) is identified as the explosive compound due to its known instability and potential energy release upon decomposition.

Key Concepts

Xenon Compounds

Xenon is a noble gas, which means it typically doesn't form compounds easily. However, in certain conditions, it can bond with other elements. These xenon compounds have some interesting characteristics worth noting.

• **Diverse Compounds:** Xenon can form a variety of compounds including oxides like \( \mathrm{XeO}_3 \) and halides like \( \mathrm{XeF}_2 \).
  
• **Unique Bonding:** Despite being a noble gas, xenon can form stable bonds with highly electronegative elements like fluorine and oxygen.
  
• **Applications:** These compounds can be utilized in different fields such as chemical synthesis and, in some cases, serve as catalysts in reactions.
  

Understanding xenon compounds is crucial for recognizing which of these can have explosive characteristics, as bonding with certain elements like oxygen can significantly affect their stability.

Chemical Stability

Chemical stability relates to the tendency of a compound to maintain its original structure rather than undergoing change. This concept is essential when discussing xenon compounds, especially when identifying which might be explosive. Stability often depends on the type of bonds within the compound.

• **Stable Compounds:** For example, \( \mathrm{XeF}_2 \) is known for its stability. It consists of xenon and fluorine only, forming a solid compound under typical conditions.
  
• **Unstable Compounds:** Conversely, \( \mathrm{XeO}_3 \) is unstable due to its xenon-oxygen bonds, making it more prone to decomposition.
  
• **Influencing Factors:** The electronegativity of elements bonded to xenon and the molecular structure significantly affect the stability.
  

Ultimately, the stability of these compounds provides insight into their reactivity and potential explosiveness, often linked to how easily they can decompose.

Decomposition Reactions

Decomposition reactions involve breaking down a compound into simpler substances. This process is critical when assessing whether a xenon compound might be explosive. Often, an unstable compound will decompose exothermically, releasing heat and sometimes causing explosions.

• **Rapid Energy Release:** Explosive compounds like \( \mathrm{XeO}_3 \) rapidly decompose, releasing a lot of energy suddenly, which is characteristic of an explosive reaction.
  
• **Formation of Gases:** Such reactions often produce gases, causing a swift volume expansion. This is primarily why decomposing explosives can create massive pressure waves.
  
• **Contrast with Stable Compounds:** By contrast, stable compounds like \( \mathrm{XeF}_2 \) do not undergo spontaneous decomposition and thus are not explosive.
  

Recognizing the type of decomposition reaction linked to xenon compounds can help in identifying which might pose explosive hazards, as seen in the analysis above.