Question

A metal ‘X’ loses three electrons and a non-metal ‘Y’ gains two electrons in order to
attain inert gas configuration. Write the electron transfer equation for the compound
formed between them and state the type of bonding taking place. Does this compound
have high melting point or low? Will it conduct electricity in solid state or in aqueous
solution and why?

Answer 1

When X loses 3 electrons
X-------->X^+3 +3e-

When Y gains 2 electron
Y+2e- ---------->Y^-2

X + Y --------->X^-3 +Y^-2 + e-
Type of bonding is metallic bond.

Yes metallic bond requires large amount of energy to be broken down so the compound has high melting and boiling point.

When the compound is dissolved in solution it will conduct electricity because it has one free electron as shown in the equation above.