Acetylene (C2H2) and nitrogen (N2) both contain a triple
Chapter 5, Problem 108IE(choose chapter or problem)
Acetylene (C2H2) and nitrogen (N2) both contain a triple bond, but they differ greatly in their chemical properties. (a)Write the Lewis structures for the two substances. (b) By referring to Appendix C, look up the enthalpies of formation of acetylene and nitrogen and compare their reactivities. (c) Write balanced chemical equations for the complete oxidation of N2 to form N2O5(g) and of acetylene to form CO2(g) and H2O(g). (d) Calculate the enthalpy of oxidation per mole of N2 and C2H2 (the enthalpy of formation of N2O5(g) is 11.30kj/mol). How do these comparative values relate to your response to part (b)? Both N2 and C2H2 possess triple bonds with quite high bond enthalpies (Table 8.4). What aspect of chemical bonding in these molecules or in the oxidation products seems to account for the difference in chemical reactivities?
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