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Periodicity in the formulae of carbonyls and the electronic basis of the Periodic Table

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Abstract

The basis of the Periodic Table is discussed. Electronic configuration recurs in only 21 out of the 32 groups. A better basis is derived by considering the highest classical valency (v) exhibited by an element and a new measure, the highest valency in carbonyl compounds (v*). This leads to a table based on the number of outer electrons possessed by an atom (N) and the number of electrons required for it to achieve an inert (noble) gas configuration (N*). Periodicity of these is nearly complete. The new basis helps to settle the question of the best form of table and related issues.

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Notes

  1. ‘Noble gas’ is a misnomer (Nelson 2011: Sect. 3.4).

  2. For a critique of this arrangement, see Nelson (2006).

  3. On different kinds of valency, see Nelson (1997).

  4. See Nelson (1997). I have changed the definition for cations to bring it into line with that for neutral molecules and anions, and drawn the bonds in red to distinguish them from ordinary bonds in black.

  5. Here I have used the generic name for element 86 (emanation, Em).

  6. Scerri points out that H, F, and Cl form a triad, but this is not a reliable test as we have seen.

  7. Scerri (2009b, 2012) supports the latter on the basis that Y, Lu, and Lr form a triad whereas Y, La, and Ac do not. Contrawise, however, Sc–Y–La is a triad whereas Sc–Y–Lu is not.

  8. DFT calculations on this ion suggest that most of the spin is on the ligand and that the 5d shell is little involved in the bonding (Hrobárik et al. 2008). Since, however, cyclam is not readily oxidized, the small involvement of the 5d shell may be critical.

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Acknowledgments

I am very grateful to the many colleagues with whom I have discussed the Periodic Table over the years, especially the late Dr. B. Michael Chadwick, to whom I dedicate this paper, and Dr. David A. Johnson, who read and commented on earlier drafts. I am also grateful to Dr. Nigel A. Young for references to matrix-isolation studies, and to a reviewer for helpful comments.

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Correspondence to Peter G. Nelson.

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Nelson, P.G. Periodicity in the formulae of carbonyls and the electronic basis of the Periodic Table. Found Chem 15, 199–208 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10698-012-9155-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10698-012-9155-z

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