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Compounds of Important Nonmetals: Properties, Reactions, and Uses

Chemistry Grade 11 Difficulty 3/5

Beginning of the lesson

Important compounds of nonmetals

The behavior of a compound follows from its particles, bonding, oxidation states, and reactions with water, acids, bases, and oxidants.

Learning goals. Classify major nonmetal compounds; relate structure to acid-base behavior; trace key conversions; assign oxidation states; write balanced molecular and ionic equations; connect properties with safe uses.

1. Four useful families

Hydrides

HCl is a molecular gas. In water it transfers a proton to H2O: HCl + H2O → H3O+ + Cl−. NH3 is a weak Brønsted base because the nitrogen lone pair accepts H+, forming NH4+.

Oxides

SO2, SO3, and NO2 are acidic oxides. They can form acids or salts in suitable reactions. NO is neutral toward water under ordinary conditions but is readily oxidized to NO2.

Oxoacids

H2SO4 is diprotic; HNO3 is monoprotic. Both are strong acids in dilute aqueous solution. Their concentrated forms require strict laboratory controls and protective equipment.

Water and peroxide

H2O is bent and amphiprotic. H2O2 contains an O–O single bond; oxygen has oxidation state −1, so peroxide may act as either an oxidant or a reductant depending on its reaction partner.

2. Reaction map

NH3 NH4+ + H+ SO2 SO3 H2SO4 + O2, catalyst + H2O NO NO2 + O2

The arrows show chemically meaningful relationships; each complete equation must still be balanced and must include the stated conditions.

3. Oxidation states explain reactivity

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  • Worked examples
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  • Test questions: 15
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