Textbook Question
In which of the following molecules can you confidently predict the bond angles about the central atom, and for which would you be a bit uncertain? Explain in each case. (a) H2S, (b) BCl3, (c) CH3I, (d) CBr4, (e) TeBr4.
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Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement111
- Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions166
- Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry138
- Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution127
- Ch.5 - Thermochemistry104
- Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms109
- Ch.7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements107
- Ch.8 - Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding102
- Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories120
- Ch.10 - Gases122
- Ch.11 - Liquids and Intermolecular Forces79
- Ch.12 - Solids and Modern Materials102
- Ch.13 - Properties of Solutions99
- Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics153
- Ch.15 - Chemical Equilibrium83
- Ch.16 - Acid-Base Equilibria109
- Ch.17 - Additional Aspects of Aqueous Equilibria117
- Ch.18 - Chemistry of the Environment60
- Ch.19 - Chemical Thermodynamics109
- Ch.20 - Electrochemistry113
- Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry79
- Ch.22 - Chemistry of the Nonmetals52
- Ch.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry57
- Ch.24 - The Chemistry of Life: Organic and Biological Chemistry7
Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 9, Problem 28a1
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. i.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom (A) and the four surrounding atoms (F) in each of the three structures.
Determine the number of electron domains around the central atom in each structure. This includes both bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons.
For structure I, observe that there are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs around the central atom. This corresponds to a tetrahedral electron-domain geometry.
For structure II, observe that there are four bonding pairs and one lone pair around the central atom. This corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal electron-domain geometry.
For structure III, observe that there are four bonding pairs and two lone pairs around the central atom. This corresponds to an octahedral electron-domain geometry.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electron-Domain Geometry
Electron-domain geometry refers to the spatial arrangement of all electron domains (bonding and lone pairs) around a central atom in a molecule. It is determined by the number of electron domains, which can include single bonds, double bonds, triple bonds, and lone pairs. This geometry helps predict the overall shape of the molecule and is crucial for understanding molecular interactions.
Molecular Geometry
Molecular geometry describes the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule, focusing only on the positions of the atoms and not the lone pairs. It is derived from the electron-domain geometry but is influenced by the repulsion between electron pairs, which can alter the shape. Common molecular geometries include linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, and bent, each with distinct bond angles.
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VSEPR Theory
Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. According to VSEPR, electron pairs will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion, leading to specific molecular shapes. This theory is fundamental for understanding how molecular structures are formed and how they influence chemical behavior.
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Related Practice
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 electron-domain and molecular geometries for the following molecules and ions: c. SF4
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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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