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Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Chapter 9, Problem 90

From their Lewis structures, determine the number of σ and π bonds in each of the following molecules or ions: (a) hydrazine, N2H4 (b) hydrogen cyanide, HCN (c) sulphur trioxide, SO3

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Draw the Lewis structure for each molecule or ion. For hydrazine (N2H4), connect the two nitrogen atoms with a single bond and attach two hydrogen atoms to each nitrogen. For hydrogen cyanide (HCN), connect the hydrogen to carbon with a single bond and carbon to nitrogen with a triple bond. For sulfur trioxide (SO3), draw sulfur in the center with three double bonds to three oxygen atoms.
Step 2: Identify the σ (sigma) bonds in each molecule. Sigma bonds are the first bonds formed between two atoms. In N2H4, each N-H bond and the N-N bond are sigma bonds. In HCN, the H-C bond and one of the C-N bonds are sigma bonds. In SO3, each S-O bond is a sigma bond.
Step 3: Identify the π (pi) bonds in each molecule. Pi bonds are the second and third bonds formed between two atoms. In N2H4, there are no pi bonds as all bonds are single. In HCN, the remaining two bonds in the C-N triple bond are pi bonds. In SO3, each S-O double bond contains one pi bond.
Step 4: Count the total number of σ and π bonds in each molecule. For N2H4, count the total number of sigma bonds. For HCN, count the sigma and pi bonds separately. For SO3, count the sigma and pi bonds separately.
Step 5: Summarize the number of σ and π bonds for each molecule. Ensure that the total number of bonds matches the number of bonds in the Lewis structure for each molecule.

Key Concepts

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

Lewis Structures

Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They help visualize the arrangement of electrons and the connectivity of atoms, allowing chemists to predict molecular geometry and reactivity. Understanding how to draw and interpret Lewis structures is essential for identifying the types of bonds present in a molecule.
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Sigma (σ) and Pi (π) Bonds

Sigma (σ) bonds are the first bonds formed between two atoms, created by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals. They allow for free rotation around the bond axis. In contrast, pi (π) bonds are formed by the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals and exist in addition to a sigma bond in double and triple bonds, restricting rotation. Recognizing the types of bonds in a molecule is crucial for understanding its stability and reactivity.
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Molecular Geometry and Hybridization

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule, which is influenced by the types of bonds and lone pairs present. Hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate bonding. Understanding these concepts helps predict the shape and bond angles in molecules, which are important for determining their physical and chemical properties.
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