Unknown element X is a metal that ionically bonds to sulfur.

Question

Is the formula, X3S feasible? Why or why not?
Responses
A It is feasible. The three metallic ions each receive an electron from sulfur.It is feasible. The three metallic ions each receive an electron from sulfur.
B No, it is not feasible. Sulfur cannot give three electrons to the metal since the sulfide ion has a -2 charge.No, it is not feasible. Sulfur cannot give three electrons to the metal since the sulfide ion has a -2 charge.
C No, it is not feasible. The metallic ion X only has one valence electron and the sulfide ion receives two electrons.No, it is not feasible. The metallic ion X only has one valence electron and the sulfide ion receives two electrons.
D No, it is not feasible. Three metallic ions cannot provide the exact number of electrons that one sulfur needs for the ionic bond.

Answer 1

The correct response is B: No, it is not feasible. Sulfur cannot give three electrons to the metal since the sulfide ion has a -2 charge.

Here's a breakdown of the reasoning:

• Sulfur typically gains two electrons to form a sulfide ion (\(S^{2-}\)).
• In the formula \(X_3S\), if we consider each metal ion \(X\) to have a +1 charge (as an example of a monovalent metal), then three \(X\) ions would collectively contribute +3 charges.
• However, the sulfide ion (\(S^{2-}\)) can only accept two electrons, thus making the formation of \(X_3S\) infeasible because we cannot balance the charges properly with sulfur being able to accommodate only -2 charge instead of -3.

Thus, sulfur cannot bond with three metallic ions in this manner, leading to the conclusion presented in option B.