Molecular Geometry weisschem分子几何weisschem.weebly.pptVIP

Molecular Geometry Deviations from Expected Shape What we have so far: The geometry of a molecule depends on the number of pairs of electrons around the central atom in the structure. That, combined with the VSEPR enables us to predict a “shape” of the molecule. You should already be familiar with the following: Two bonds – linear Three bonds – trigonal planar Four bonds – tetrahedral Five bonds – trigonal bipyramidal Six bonds - octahedral Factors that lead to a shape that is different than predicted: Lone pairs of electrons on the central atom. Lone pairs distort the expected geometry because the un-shared pair of electrons has a greater repulsion effect than do bond pairs. This will cause the bond angle to be a bit less than expected. Double bonds For purposes of expected geometry, a double bond is treated as if it was a single bond. This is because the pi bond component of the double bond is essentially parallel to the sigma bond between the atoms. Let’s start with the lone pairs Consider the molecule of ammonia which has the formula NH3 . Its dot structure appears to the right: Notice how it has three bond pairs of electrons and 1 lone pair – for a total of 4 pairs of electrons around the central atom. N H H H Working through the deviation: With four total pairs of electrons around the central atom, we expect a geometry that is tetrahedral. The bond angle should be 109.5? N H H H Continuing: The lone pair has a greater repulsion factor than the bond pairs. Therefore, it “squishes” the bond pairs closer together to each other. The bond angle ends up at a value of 107.3? H H N H We now describe the shape as “pyramidal” Next example: H2O If you draw out a Lewis Dot Structure for this molecule, you see that once again, we have a central atom with a total of 4 electron pairs surrounding. But…this time there are 2 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs. O H H Continuing this example: With 4 total pairs of electrons around the central atom, we start with a tetrahed