Formation of Compounds

The Variety of Compounds

Start With Something Simple

• Salt is a fairly simple compound.

• Called: sodium chloride…

• NaCl.

• Properties: solid at room temp.

• Crystals.

• Brittle.

• Unreactive.

Individually, the Elements Are Different…(duh)

• Sodium is very reactive…

• It must be stored in oil so that it does not explode.

• In nature it is always found bonded with something else.

Chlorine

• Very toxic and violent gas.

• Also a very reactive, and must be handled with extreme care…

• But when paired with sodium it is harmless.

How Do Elements Form Into Compounds?

• First: notice the noble gases.

• None of them are reactive…why?

• Their outermost energy level is full.

The Octet Rule!

• A full outermost shell, means that the element is Unreactive…

• So, that must mean that valence e- are important in reactivity.

• Atoms with fewer electrons can be combined with other atoms, to fill up that outer shell.

Na Cl

• Sodium has 1 valence e-

• Chlorine has 7 valence e-

Na Cl

Then Why Do They Still Bond?

So What?