Which has higher boiling point sncl2 or sncl4?
Boiling Point of SnCl2 vs SnCl4
SnCl2 and SnCl4 are both tin compounds with different oxidation states of tin. The boiling points of these compounds are influenced by various factors including molecular weight, intermolecular forces, and symmetry.
Molecular Weight
- SnCl2 has a molecular weight of 189.6 g/mol while SnCl4 has a molecular weight of 260.5 g/mol.
- Generally, compounds with higher molecular weights tend to have higher boiling points due to increased Van der Waals forces.
Intermolecular Forces
- SnCl2 is a covalent compound with polar covalent bonds between tin and chlorine atoms. It exhibits dipole-dipole interactions.
- SnCl4, on the other hand, is also a covalent compound but with a higher charge separation due to the presence of more chlorine atoms. This results in stronger dipole-dipole interactions compared to SnCl2.
Symmetry
- The shape and symmetry of a molecule also play a role in determining its boiling point.
- SnCl2 has a bent molecular geometry, while SnCl4 has a tetrahedral molecular geometry.
- The more symmetrical structure of SnCl4 allows for better packing of molecules in the solid state, resulting in stronger intermolecular forces and a higher boiling point.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, SnCl4 has a higher boiling point compared to SnCl2 due to its higher molecular weight, stronger intermolecular forces, and more symmetrical molecular structure.