Question

NO2 readily form dimer but CLO2 do not .why?

Answer 1

Answer on Question #53444 – Chemistry – Inorganic Chemistry

Question:

$\mathrm{NO}_2$ readily form dimer but $\mathrm{ClO}_2$ do not. Why?

Answer:

For an explanation let's consider the Lewis structures of the molecules:

Both molecules have an unpaired electron which provides the formation of dimer.

However, in case of $\mathrm{ClO}_2$ it occurs not easy as for $\mathrm{NO}_2$. This is caused by structural features of $\mathrm{ClO}_2$, in particular, the availability of the unpaired electron to form intermolecular bond. That electron is delocalized strongly over all structure of $\mathrm{ClO}_2$ that is provided by the presence of completed 3d-sublevel and a lone pair at the chlorine atom. Therefore $\mathrm{ClO}_2$ has much lower ability to undergo dimerization than that mentioned for $\mathrm{NO}_2$.

www.AssignmentExpert.com