CH 182: CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS II - CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST 2

SECTION A [CHEMICAL STRUCTURE, POLYMERS AND POLLUTION] 20 MARKS

1. Among bondpair and lonepair of electrons, which one causes more repulsion? Why? (2)

Lonepair of electrons causes more repulsion than bondpair of electrons because the lonepair
(lp) of electrons occupy more space around the central atom than a bond pair
The reason is the lp is attached to only one nucleus, while, bondpair (bp) is shared by two
nuclei

2. Use VSEPR theory and determine the structure of sulphur tetrafluoride. Show ALL steps clearly.
[Atomic number of S: 16]. (4)

S =6e
4F =4e
Balance = 2 e present as 1 lp
4 bp + 1 lp = 5 coordination number Trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) geometry

Two possibilities of placing the lp: (a) axial and (b) equatorial.

(a) AXIAL (b) EQUATORIAL

90 lp-bp repulsion = 3 90 lp-bp repulsion = 2

Since (b) has given rise to least number of repulsions, the preferred shape is (b).

The correct shape is unsymmetrical tetrahedron or disphenoidal or see-saw.

F
: S
F
F

3. Give THREE requirements for a material to act as an insulator. (3)

These solid materials possess:

o Full-valence band
o Completely empty conduction band
o Large energy gap (Eg) of the order of 5-10 eV

4. What happens to the conductivity of semiconductors at high temperatures? Give reason(s) for your
answer. (3)

At high temperatures, conduction in semiconductors starts, due to thermal energy

Some valence electrons gain enough thermal energy to jump over the energy gap (Eg) into the
conduction band
The probability of the promotion of electrons from valence band to conduction band:

1
 o decreases exponentially with increase in Eg
o increases exponentially with increase in Kelvin temperature
Consequently, the conductivity of a semiconductor increases with increase in temperature

5. What happens to the melting point of a polymer when it is heavily branched? Give reason. (2)

When heavily branched, the melting point of a polymer decreases

This is because they cannot pack efficiently (in the crystal lattice) like the straight chains

6. Compare the toxicities of mercurous and methylmercury ions. (3)

Mercurous ion (Hg22+) low toxicity

Forms insoluble chloride
As our stomach contains a fairly high concentration of chloride, mercurous ion forms insoluble
chlorides and hence is not toxic

Methylmercury ion (CH3Hg+) high toxicity

Soluble in fat and easily transported across biological membranes; stored in fat tissues
The covalent Hg-C bond is not easily disrupted and the alkyl mercury is retained in cells for
prolonged periods of time
Causes irreversible nerve and brain damage
It can move through the placental barrier and enter fetal tissues

7. Draw the structure of benzopyrene. Is this compound toxic? Why? (3)

It is highly toxic
It is carcinogenic (cancer-causing)
This is because it can get converted by certain enzymes into polar water soluble products like
dihydrosol epoxides which bind to haemoglobin and DNA