Sodium reacts with chlorine to form the compound sodium #2Na + Cl_2 - 2NaCI#. How would you describe, in terms of electron arrangement, the type of bonding in a molecule of chlorine?

Question

Sodium reacts with chlorine to form the compound sodium #2Na + Cl_2 -> 2NaCI#.  How would you describe, in terms of electron arrangement, the type of bonding in a molecule of chlorine?

Olivia Anton · Accepted Answer

There is a single covalent bond in a chlorine molecule.

The chlorine molecule is represented as #Cl-Cl#, i.e. #Cl_2#. Between the chlorine atoms, 2 electrons overlap to form a region of high electron density to which the positively charged chlorine nuclei are attracted, such that internuclear repulsion is negated and a net attractive force results. Because the bonding electrons are shared between the nuclei, we conceive that each atom has 8 valence electrons. Of course, on reaction with sodium, the sodium reduces the chlorine molecule to give #2xxCl^-#. The resultant bond between #Na^+# and #Cl^-# is ionic and a non-molecular substance results.

Ellie Andrews · Answer

undefined The bonding in a molecule of chlorine is covalent, where atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Sodium reacts with chlorine to form the compound sodium #2Na + Cl_2 -&gt; 2NaCI#. How would you describe, in terms of electron arrangement, the type of bonding in a molecule of chlorine?

Sodium reacts with chlorine to form the compound sodium #2Na + Cl_2 -> 2NaCI#. How would you describe, in terms of electron arrangement, the type of bonding in a molecule of chlorine?