Questions:
Structures of Solids
1. When describing structures of solids, especially ionic solids, structure types are typically associated with the structures of well-known species. If a system were described as having the "Sodium chloride" structure what would this mean? Answer with as much detail as you can.
Do the same for a system that was described to have the Zinc Blende structure.
2. a. CaF2 melts around 1393 C whereas CaI2 melts around 575 C. Account for the difference.
b. The diamond structure consists of a cubic closest packed lattice of carbon atoms with one half of the tetrahedral holes filled. Explain exactly what this means. Illustrate your answer by sketching the structure.
3. A common mistake made by students is the description of the CsCl structure as body centered cubic. What is the CsCl structure?
Demonstrate two different ways that the correct stoichiometry is predicted by your answer.
Describe the bonding in Hydrogen Fluoride in terms of the MO theory. Demonstrate why it is polar.
4. Why is BF3 a weaker Lewis acid than BCl3?
Desribe the structure, give the hybridization and sketch the following species.
PF3
H2PF3
SF4
IF5
NO2-