Each ball-and-stick model shows the electron and molecular geometry of a generic molecule. Explain what is wrong with each molecular geometry and provide the correct molecular geometry, given the number of lone pairs and bonding groups on the central atom. (c)
Ch.11 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, VSEPR & MO Theory
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Tro 6th Edition
Ch.11 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, VSEPR & MO Theory
Problem 46b



Chapter 11, Problem 46b
Determine the geometry about each interior atom in each molecule and sketch the molecule. (Skeletal structure is indicated in parentheses.)
a. CH3NH2 (H3CNH2)
b. CH3CO2CH3 (H3CCOOCH3 One O atom attached to 2nd C atom; the other O atom is bonded to the 2nd and 3rd C atom)

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Identify the central atoms in the molecule. In this case, the central atoms are the carbon atoms in the skeletal structure H3CCOOCH3.
Determine the hybridization of each central carbon atom. The first carbon (C1) is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom, indicating sp3 hybridization, which corresponds to a tetrahedral geometry.
For the second carbon atom (C2), it is bonded to one carbon atom, one oxygen atom with a double bond, and another oxygen atom with a single bond. This suggests sp2 hybridization, which corresponds to a trigonal planar geometry.
The third carbon atom (C3) is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, indicating sp3 hybridization, which corresponds to a tetrahedral geometry.
Sketch the molecule by arranging the atoms according to the determined geometries: C1 with a tetrahedral shape, C2 with a trigonal planar shape, and C3 with a tetrahedral shape. Connect the atoms as per the skeletal structure, ensuring the correct placement of the oxygen atoms as described.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
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 shape of the molecule. Common geometries include linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, and bent, each resulting from specific arrangements of electron pairs according to VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
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VSEPR Theory
VSEPR theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs surrounding a central atom. According to this theory, electron pairs will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion, leading to specific molecular shapes. Understanding VSEPR is crucial for determining the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, which directly affects its properties and reactivity.
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Skeletal Structure
A skeletal structure is a simplified representation of a molecule that shows the connectivity between atoms without depicting all the hydrogen atoms explicitly. In skeletal formulas, carbon atoms are represented by vertices or ends of lines, while other atoms, such as oxygen, are shown as letters. This notation helps chemists quickly visualize the molecular framework and is particularly useful for larger organic molecules, facilitating the identification of functional groups and overall structure.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Textbook Question
Determine the geometry about each interior atom in each molecule and sketch the molecule. (Skeletal structure is indicated in parentheses.) a. CH3OH (H3COH) b. CH3OCH3 (H3COCH3)
Textbook Question
Determine the geometry about each interior atom in each molecule and sketch the molecule. (Skeletal structure is indicated in parentheses.) c. H2O2 (HOOH)
Textbook Question
Determine the geometry about each interior atom in each molecule and sketch the molecule. (Skeletal structure is indicated in parentheses.) c. NH2CO2H (H2NCOOH both O atoms attached to C)
Textbook Question
Explain why CO2 and CCl4 are both nonpolar even though they contain polar bonds.
Textbook Question
CH3F is a polar molecule, even though the tetrahedral geometry often leads to nonpolar molecules. Explain.
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