Answer the question on basis of passage given below:

The noble gases \(He\) to \(Rn\) have close shell configuration and are monoatomic gases under normal conditions. Though mostly unreactive, but direct reaction of Xe with \(F_2\) leads to a series of compounds with Xe oxidation numbers +2, +4 and +6. When certain compounds like phenol and quinol are crystallised in the presence of noble gas such as Ar, Kr and Xe a category of compound called clathrates are formed. In these the noble gas atoms are trapped in the cavities of the crystal lattices. The compounds which crystallise are known as hosts (H) while the noble gas atoms are called guests (G). The general formula of a clathrate compound is nHmG, where n is the number of host molecules and m is the number of atoms a molecule of guest.

Which force is responsible for holding \(Ar\) in its clathrate compound with quinol?

van der Waal

The correct answer is option 1. van der Waal.

A clathrate compound is a type of inclusion compound where one substance (the guest) is trapped within the cage-like structure of another substance (the host). In the case of argon and quinol, argon is the guest and quinol is the host.

Structure of Clathrate Compounds

Host Structure: In clathrate compounds, the host molecule or structure often forms a framework that creates cavities or "cages" where guest molecules can be encapsulated. For quinol, the structure can arrange itself into a network that accommodates argon atoms within these cavities.

Guest-Host Interaction: The guest atoms or molecules, such as argon, are held within these cavities through various types of interactions with the host structure.

Interaction Forces in Clathrate Compounds

1. van der Waals Forces

Nature of van der Waals Forces: These are weak, non-covalent interactions that arise due to temporary fluctuations in electron density around atoms or molecules, creating instantaneous dipoles. These dipoles induce corresponding dipoles in neighboring atoms or molecules, leading to attractive forces.

In Argon-Clathrate Compounds: In the case of the argon-quinol clathrate, the interaction between the argon atoms and the quinol host is primarily through van der Waals forces. Argon, being a noble gas, is non-polar and does not form strong chemical bonds with the host. Instead, the weak interactions between the argon atoms and the quinol framework are sufficient to trap the argon atoms in the clathrate structure.

2. Hydrogen Bonds

Nature of Hydrogen Bonds: Hydrogen bonds are stronger than van der Waals forces and involve a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a more electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) interacting with another electronegative atom.

In the Context of Argon-Clathrate: Hydrogen bonding is not relevant in this context because argon is a noble gas and does not participate in hydrogen bonding. Quinol might have hydrogen bonding capabilities, but these are not the primary interactions holding argon in the clathrate

3. Ionic Bonds

Nature of Ionic Bonds: Ionic bonds are formed between positively and negatively charged ions, involving strong electrostatic attraction.

In the Context of Argon-Clathrate: Argon is a neutral noble gas and does not form ionic bonds. Thus, ionic bonding is not involved in the interactions between argon and quinol.

4. Covalent Bonds

Nature of Covalent Bonds: Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

In the Context of Argon-Clathrate: Argon does not form covalent bonds because it is a noble gas with a complete electron shell. Therefore, covalent bonding does not play a role in holding argon within the clathrate.

Conclusion

The primary force responsible for holding argon in its clathrate compound with quinol is van der Waals forces. These weak, non-covalent interactions are sufficient to trap the argon atoms within the host framework of quinol.