9.4 - Diatomic Molecules
Since we now know that valence electrons can be shared between atoms, it is time to highlight a special class of elements. When found alone, these seven elements are more stable bonded to themselves than as individual atoms.
If one were to draw the LDS for H2, O2, N2, Cl2, Br2, I2, and F2, you would see that when their lone valence electrons are being shared, there is a noble gas configuration. These are called the diatomic elements.
There is no diatomic molecule with any other elements because they do not become more stable. Na2 is less stable than Na. The valence shell does not become full when the electrons are shared in sodium.
If one were to draw the LDS for H2, O2, N2, Cl2, Br2, I2, and F2, you would see that when their lone valence electrons are being shared, there is a noble gas configuration. These are called the diatomic elements.
There is no diatomic molecule with any other elements because they do not become more stable. Na2 is less stable than Na. The valence shell does not become full when the electrons are shared in sodium.
9.4 - Quick Review
1. Why is Oxygen found in nature as O2 while Beryllium is never Be2?
2. Why is it that H O N Cl Br I and F are always diatomic when found alone?
3. Nitrogen is always found as N2, and Chlorine is always found as Cl2, but why isn’t calcium ever found as Ca2?
2. Why is it that H O N Cl Br I and F are always diatomic when found alone?
3. Nitrogen is always found as N2, and Chlorine is always found as Cl2, but why isn’t calcium ever found as Ca2?