The enthalpy of formation of X2Y (X≡X(g)+21Y=Y(g)→X2Y(g)) is 80 kJ mol⁻¹.
The magnitude of resonance energy of X2Y is _____ kJ mol⁻¹ (nearest integer value)
Given: Bond energies of X≡X, X=X, Y=Y and X=Y are 940, 410, 500 and 602 kJ mol⁻¹ respectively. valence X: 3, Y: 2
Answer: 98
Solution
Resonance energy is the extra stability by which the measured enthalpy of formation lies below the value estimated from a single Lewis structure. Taking the drawn structure X=X=Y, which contains one X=X bond and one X=Y bond, the estimated enthalpy of formation is ΔHf(struct)=[EX≡X+21EY=Y]−[EX=X+EX=Y]=[940+250]−[410+602]=178kJ mol−1. Since the experimental enthalpy of formation is 80kJ mol−1, the resonance energy is 80−178=−98kJ mol−1. The magnitude of the resonance energy is 98kJ mol−1.