Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition

Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970Not the one you use?Change textbook

Brown 15th Edition

Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories

Problem 30d

Chapter 9, Problem 30d

Give the approximate values for the indicated bond angles in the following molecules: (d)

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Identify the hybridization of the carbon atoms involved in the bond angles A and B.

For bond angle A, determine the hybridization of the central carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom.

For bond angle B, determine the hybridization of the central carbon atom bonded to one carbon atom and one nitrogen atom with a triple bond.

Use the hybridization to predict the bond angles: sp3 hybridization typically results in bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees, while sp hybridization results in bond angles of approximately 180 degrees.

Apply these typical bond angles to the specific bond angles A and B in the given molecular structure.

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Key Concepts

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

Bond Angles

Bond angles are the angles formed between two adjacent bonds at a central atom in a molecule. They are crucial for understanding molecular geometry and can be influenced by the type of hybridization of the central atom. For example, in sp3 hybridization, bond angles are approximately 109.5°, while in sp2 and sp hybridizations, they are about 120° and 180°, respectively.

Hybridization

Hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate the bonding requirements of a molecule. The type of hybridization (sp, sp2, sp3) determines the geometry and bond angles of the molecule. In the given structure, the carbon atoms involved in single bonds are typically sp3 hybridized, while those involved in triple bonds exhibit sp hybridization.

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. It is determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom, which influences the bond angles. Understanding molecular geometry helps predict the shape of the molecule and the approximate values of bond angles, which are essential for interpreting chemical behavior and reactivity.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Consider the following XF₄ ions: PF₄^-, BrF₄^-, ClF₄⁺, and AlF₄^-. (a) Which of the ions have more than an octet of electrons around the central atom?

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Textbook Question

Ammonia, NH3, reacts with incredibly strong bases to produce the amide ion, NH2-. Ammonia can also react with acids to produce the ammonium ion, NH4+. (a) Which species (amide ion, ammonia, or ammonium ion) has the largest H¬N¬H bond angle? (b) Which species has the smallest H¬N¬H bond angle?

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Textbook Question

The figure that follows contains ball-and-stick drawings of three possible shapes of an AF4 molecule. (a) For each shape, give the electron-domain geometry on which the molecular geometry is based. ii.

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Textbook Question

Give the approximate values for the indicated bond angles in the following molecules: (c)

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Textbook Question

The figure that follows contains ball-and-stick drawings of three possible shapes of an AF4 molecule. (c) Which of the following elements will lead to an AF4 molecule with the shape in (iii): Be, C, S, Se, Si, Xe? i.

ii.

iii.

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