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Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 14th Edition
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding TheoriesProblem 59a
Chapter 9, Problem 59a

Propylene, C3H6, is a gas that is used to form the important polymer called polypropylene. Its Lewis structure is (a) What is the total number of valence electrons in the propylene molecule?

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Identify the elements present in propylene: carbon (C) and hydrogen (H).
Determine the number of valence electrons for each type of atom: carbon has 4 valence electrons and hydrogen has 1 valence electron.
Count the number of each type of atom in the propylene molecule: there are 3 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms.
Calculate the total number of valence electrons by multiplying the number of each type of atom by its valence electrons and summing the results: (3 carbon atoms * 4 valence electrons) + (6 hydrogen atoms * 1 valence electron).
Sum the valence electrons from all the atoms to find the total number of valence electrons in the propylene molecule.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial for determining how atoms bond with each other. In the context of molecules, the total number of valence electrons is calculated by adding the valence electrons of each atom present in the molecule. For propylene (C3H6), this involves considering the contributions from carbon and hydrogen atoms.
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Lewis Structure

A Lewis structure is a diagram that represents the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. It helps visualize how valence electrons are arranged and shared among atoms. Understanding how to draw and interpret Lewis structures is essential for predicting molecular geometry and reactivity.
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Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound indicates the number and type of atoms present in a molecule. For propylene, the molecular formula C3H6 shows that it contains three carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. This information is vital for calculating the total number of valence electrons and understanding the molecule's structure and properties.
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(b) What is the hybridization of the carbon atoms in each molecule?

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Ethyl acetate, C4H8O2, is a fragrant substance used both as a solvent and as an aroma enhancer. Its Lewis structure is

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(a) Draw Lewis structures for chloromethane (CH3Cl), chloroethene (C2H3Cl), and chloroethyne (C2HCl).

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