Question

Lithium metal reacts with nitrogen gas to form lithium nitride. Identify the balanced reaction that describes this process. A. Li + N LiN B. Li + N_2 LiN_2 C. 2Li + N_2 li_2N_2 D. 6Li + N_2 2Li_2N E. 2Li + N_2 2LiN 64. Which of the elements listed below is most likely to exhibit an expanded octet in its compounds? A. O, P B. S, P C. Na, K D. C, S E. N, S

Answer 1

Answer:

Balanced equation: $6Li+N_{2}\rightarrow 2Li_{3}N$

64. option (B) is correct.

Explanation:

Lithium nitride has the molecular formula: $Li_{3}N$. It consists of $Li^{+}$ and $N^{3-}$ ions.

Reaction: $Li+N_{2}\rightarrow Li_{3}N$

Balance Li: $3Li+N_{2}\rightarrow Li_{3}N$

Balance N: $3Li+\frac{1}{2}N_{2}\rightarrow Li_{3}N$

Balanced equation: $6Li+N_{2}\rightarrow 2Li_{3}N$

Elements having energetically available vacant orbitals are likely to expand octet as they can accommodate more electrons in those vacant orbitals by forming bonds.

Both S and P have vacant energetically available 3p orbitals which make them prone to expand their octet.

So, option (B) is correct.