Acetylene (C2H2) and nitrogen (N2) both contain a triple bond, but they differ greatly i...

Acetylene (C₂H₂) and nitrogen (N₂) both contain a triple bond, but they differ greatly in their chemical properties. (a)Write the Lewis structures for the two substances. (b) By referring to Appendix C, look up the enthalpies of formation of acetylene and nitrogen and compare their reactivities. (c) Write balanced chemical equations for the complete oxidation of N₂ to form N₂O₅(g) and of acetylene to form CO₂(g) and H₂O(g). (d) Calculate the enthalpy of oxidation per mole of N₂ and C₂H₂ (the enthalpy of formation of N₂O₅(g) is ). How do these comparative values relate to your response to part (b)? Both N₂ and C₂H₂ possess triple bonds with quite high bond enthalpies (Table 8.4). What aspect of chemical bonding in these molecules or in the oxidation products seems to account for the difference in chemical reactivities?

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