[matt2minger]

Hi,

Can anyone help me answer this question? Why the electron structure of an element affects it chemical reaction?

I was thinking along the lines of it had 1 electron it its outermost shell, then it was very reactive. anyone got any more ideas?

[Princeoftermina]

The electron structure determines what the element will react with. It affects its chemical reaction, as, for example, Argon won't react with Neon, as they both have full outer shells. However, sodium will react with chloring to form sodium chloride, as 1 has a single outer shell electron, and the other needs an outer shell electron.

[Achilles99]

electronic structure is kinda the only determining factor controlling how reactions happen.... So you could say it has an effect, yes