Q. 6.126 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Determine the total number of valence electrons in each of the

following:

a. ${\mathrm{COCl}}_2$

b. ${\mathrm{N}}_2\mathrm{O}$

c. ${\mathrm{SeCl}}_2$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. The total number of valence electrons in $COC{l}_2$is $24.$

b. The total number of valence electrons in $N{O}_2$is $16$.

c. The total number of valence electrons in $SeC{l}_2$is $20$.

Part(a) Step 1: Given Information

We are required to find the total number of valence electrons of Phosgene.

Part(a) Step 2: Explanation

We know that Chlorine has $7$electron in its valence shell. Similarly Carbon has$4$ and Oxygen has$6$ valence electrons but as there are two chlorine atoms in Phosgene hence they will contribute $14$ electrons to the total. Adding all these we get total valence electrons equal to $24$.

Part(b) Step 1: Given Information

We are required to find the total number of valence electrons of Nitrous Oxide.

Part(b) Step 2: Explanation

We know that Nitrogen has $5$ electron in its valence shell. Similarly Oxygen has $6$ valence electrons but as there are two nitrogen atoms in Nitrous Oxide hence they will contribute $10$electrons to the total. Adding all these we get total valence electrons equal to $16$.

Part(c) Step 1: Given Information

We are required to find the total number of valence electrons of Selenium dichloride.

Part c. Step 2: Explanation

We know that Chlorine has $7$ electron in its valence shell. Selenium, on the other hand, belongs to the Oxygen family and hence, has $6$ valence electrons but as there are two chlorine atoms in Nitrous Oxide hence they will contribute $14$ electrons to the total. Adding all these we get total valence electrons equal to $20$.