Inorganic chem - Dimers?

[Delta]

Both NO2 and ClO2 have an odd number of valence electrons. Then why does NO2 forms a dimer readily whereas ClO2 does not? One of the reasons I was told was the delocalisation of the odd electron in ClO2 . Can anyone explain it to me with proper reasoning?

Thanks!

[ZevMudkip]

If you recall correctly, Chlorine has that d-orbital that can be filled, while Nitrogen does not.

In terms of delocalized electrons, though, its a bit harder to explain, but easier to grasp. The force that holds electrons to the nucleus is the electroagnetic force, which falls off with the square of the radius.
Nitrogen's valence electrons are much closer than Chlorine's valence electrons - Chlorine can let some of those valence electrons that are extra, just wander around.

You can bring in the fact that Chlorine has 7 valence electrons while Nitrogen has 5, so more can run around, and being farther away (n = 3, not n = 2), they can go off the atom entirely.

I'm not that advanced, but I remember some things from my readings.

[patrick076]

please tell me what is the difference between cellulase and cellulose

[smith6]

I have some information that A dimer is a molecule composed of two subunits linked together. It is a special case of a polymer. Among the most common dimers are certain types of sugar; sucrose, for example, is a dimer of a glucose molecule and a fructose molecule.

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[grgrsanjay]

I have some information that A dimer is a molecule composed of two subunits linked together. It is a special case of a polymer. Among the most common dimers are certain types of sugar; sucrose, for example, is a dimer of a glucose molecule and a fructose molecule.



yea good explanation about dimers well done but that is not linked with question but its good data