Daily answer writing · Sat, 14 Nov, 2026
Inert pair effect: why TlI₃ is really Tl⁺I₃⁻; and why the chelate effect is an entropy effect
(a) What is the inert pair effect? Using $E^\circ(\ce{Tl^3+/Tl+}) = +1.25$ V and $E^\circ(\ce{I3-/I-}) = +0.54$ V, show that thallium(III) iodide, TlI3, is really thallium(I) triiodide, $\ce{Tl+I3-}$. Give one other example of the effect. (5 marks)
(b) At 298 K, for $\ce{Cd^2+(aq) + 4CH3NH2}$: $\Delta H^\circ = -57.3$ kJ mol−1, $\Delta S^\circ = -67.3$ J K−1 mol−1; for $\ce{Cd^2+(aq) + 2en}$: $\Delta H^\circ = -56.5$ kJ mol−1, $\Delta S^\circ = +14.1$ J K−1 mol−1. Calculate $\Delta G^\circ$ and $\log\beta$ for each and explain the chelate effect. (5 marks)
Syllabus: Common to CSE Paper I, IFoS Paper I and Geo-Scientist Mains (inorganic/physical): inert pair effect in heavy p-block elements, standard electrode potentials and ΔG°, stability of complexes, chelate effect, ΔG° = ΔH° − TΔS°.
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