Questions: Which element cannot be a central element in a compound? sulfur carbon hydrogen oxygen

Transcript text: Which element cannot be a central element in a compound? sulfur carbon hydrogen oxygen

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the role of a central element in a compound

A central element in a compound typically forms multiple bonds with other atoms, allowing it to act as a hub or center in the molecular structure. This requires the element to have the ability to form multiple covalent bonds.

Step 2: Evaluate each element's bonding capabilities

Sulfur: Can form multiple bonds (e.g., in \( \text{SO}_2 \) and \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \)).
Carbon: Known for forming four covalent bonds, making it a common central element (e.g., in \( \text{CH}_4 \) and \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 \)).
Hydrogen: Can only form one covalent bond, thus cannot act as a central element.
Oxygen: Can form two covalent bonds and can act as a central element in some compounds (e.g., in \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) and \( \text{CO}_2 \)).

Step 3: Determine which element cannot be a central element

Based on the bonding capabilities, hydrogen cannot be a central element because it can only form one covalent bond.