The electronic configuration of an inorganic compound plays a crucial role in determining its reactivity in a chemical reaction. The reactivity of a compound is mainly influenced by the number of valence electrons and the energy levels of these electrons. In general, elements with a full or nearly full outer electron shell are less reactive, while elements with an incomplete outer electron shell are more reactive.Let's consider two inorganic compounds with different electronic configurations: sodium chloride NaCl and magnesium oxide MgO .1. Sodium chloride NaCl : Sodium Na has an electronic configuration of 1s 2s 2p 3s, while chlorine Cl has an electronic configuration of 1s 2s 2p 3s 3p. Sodium has one valence electron in its outermost shell, and chlorine has seven valence electrons in its outermost shell. In the formation of NaCl, sodium loses its one valence electron to chlorine, forming a positively charged sodium ion Na and a negatively charged chloride ion Cl . The resulting ionic compound, NaCl, is held together by the strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions.In a reaction, NaCl can easily dissociate into its constituent ions, making it highly reactive in aqueous solutions. For example, when NaCl is dissolved in water, it readily dissociates into Na and Cl ions, which can then participate in various chemical reactions.2. Magnesium oxide MgO : Magnesium Mg has an electronic configuration of 1s 2s 2p 3s, while oxygen O has an electronic configuration of 1s 2s 2p. Magnesium has two valence electrons in its outermost shell, and oxygen has six valence electrons in its outermost shell. In the formation of MgO, magnesium loses its two valence electrons to oxygen, forming a positively charged magnesium ion Mg and a negatively charged oxide ion O . The resulting ionic compound, MgO, is held together by the strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions.MgO is less soluble in water compared to NaCl and does not dissociate as readily. This makes MgO less reactive in aqueous solutions. For example, when MgO is added to water, it reacts slowly to form magnesium hydroxide Mg OH , which is a weak base and does not readily participate in further chemical reactions.In summary, the electronic configuration of inorganic compounds affects their reactivity in chemical reactions by influencing their ability to gain, lose, or share electrons. Sodium chloride NaCl and magnesium oxide MgO are examples of two inorganic compounds with different electronic configurations, which results in different reactivities in chemical reactions. NaCl is more reactive in aqueous solutions due to its high solubility and ability to dissociate into ions, while MgO is less reactive due to its lower solubility and slower reaction with water.