Trivalent

Trivalent describes an atom, ion, or radical that has a valence of three, meaning it can combine with three atoms of a monovalent element, or a number of atoms of other elements, totaling three valences. This property is crucial in chemical bonding, determining the types and structures of molecules formed. Elements exhibiting trivalency play key roles in various chemical reactions and the creation of complex compounds in both organic and inorganic chemistry. The term often appears when discussing the behavior of elements in chemical reactions.

Trivalent meaning with examples

• Aluminum is a classic example of a trivalent element. In aluminum chloride (AlCl3), each aluminum atom forms three bonds with chlorine atoms. This ability allows aluminum to form stable compounds with other elements, making it useful in many industrial applications. Its trivalency is fundamental to its chemical behavior and its reactions with other elements.
• Iron, in certain oxidation states, such as in ferric compounds, also exhibits trivalency. Ferric ions (Fe3+) have a charge of +3, indicating the loss of three electrons and the capacity to bond with three negative ions or groups. This trivalency is important in the formation of rust and certain metal oxides used in pigments.
• Boron trifluoride (BF3) is a simple trivaluent compound where the boron atom forms three bonds with fluorine atoms. Due to boron's electron configuration, it tends to participate in Lewis acid-base reactions because of its electron deficiency. It's trivalency determines its reactivity
• A nitrogen atom can be considered trivaluent in certain molecules. For example, in ammonia (NH3), nitrogen forms three covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms. The nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons remaining. This lone pair grants nitrogen different reaction properties and its trivalency is significant in organic chemistry.