Hydrogen+ Carbon + Nitrogen = Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
Harmless Elements: Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen.
Harmful Compound: Hydrogen Cyanide
Chemical Bonding: Covalent Bonding
Hydrogen (H):
Hydrogen is the simplest element of all, and is the most common element in the entire Universe.
Hydrogen is made up of 1 proton and electron, and no neutrons. It is a colorless and odorless gas
which exists at standard temperature and pressure, as diatomic molecules, H2.
Carbon (C):
Carbon can exist in several allotropes, including graphite, diamond, amorphous carbon, fullerines
and nanotubes. Carbon has the highest melting/sublimation point of all the elements, and is used as
fuel.
Nitrogen (N):
Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and diatomic gas at standard temperature and pressure. It
is used to produce fertilizers, and in current food production methods.
Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN):
Hydrogen Cyanide is a colourless, very poisonous, and highly volatile liquid that boils slightly above
room temperature. The gas itself can explosive in air, at concentrations above 5.6 percent. Given its
toxicity, hydrogen cyanide is listed as a warfare agent. (So that soldiers are not interrogated)
Dot and Cross Diagram:
X= Carbon Electrons
= Hydrogen Electrons
X
Carbon
Hydrogen
X
X
XXX
Nitrogen
= Nitrogen Electrons
Explanation:
1. The hydrogen has 1 valence electron, carbon has 4 nitrogen has 3.
2. The molecule is arranged exactly as it is spelled: H-C-N.
3. Carbon will give share electrons with both Nitrogen and Hydrogen.
4. Hydrogen needs 1 electron to complete a shell, so carbon shares 1 with hydrogen. Thus 2
electrons are being shared between them and carbon now needs 3 electrons to complete
the shell.
5. Both Carbon and Nitrogen has needs 3 electrons to complete the shell, thus both elements
share 3 electrons. Now, all 3 elements have full shells. (Hydrogen 2, Carbon 8, Nitrogen 8).
6. So,
Between Hydrogen and Carbon- Single covalent Bond
Between Carbon and Nitrogen- Triple covalent bond
Done By: Alex Peng (2P4)