Content check — Chemistry: Atoms First, Chapter 4: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry

Every problem in the chapter beside the book’s answer, a chapter at a time as you scroll.

Chapter 4: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry

72 problems · 68 figures

Example 4.1 §4.1 source ↗

Potassium and magnesium are required in our diet. Write the electron configurations of the ions expected from these elements.

Answer

K⁺: [Ar], Mg²⁺: [Ne]

Example 4.2 §4.1 source ↗

Write the electron configurations of a phosphorus atom and its negative ion. Give the charge on the anion.

Answer

P: [Ne]3s²3p³; P^3–: [Ne]3s²3p⁶

Example 4.3 §4.2 source ↗

Silicones are polymeric compounds containing, among others, the following types of covalent bonds: Si–O, Si–C, C–H, and C–C. Using the electronegativity values in Figure 4.6, arrange the bonds in order of increasing polarity and designate the positive and negative atoms using the symbols δ+ and δ–.

Part of the periodic table is shown. A downward-facing arrow is drawn to the left of the table and labeled, “Decreasing electronegativity,” while a right-facing arrow is drawn above the table and labeled “Increasing electronegativity.” The electronegativity for almost all the elements is given. — Figure 4.6 in the book ↗

Answer

Bond	Electronegativity Difference	Polarity
C–C	0.0	nonpolar
C–H	0.4	$\overset{δ −}{C} − \overset{δ +}{H}$
Si–C	0.7	$\overset{δ +}{Si} − \overset{δ −}{C}$
Si–O	1.7	$\overset{δ +}{Si} − \overset{δ −}{O}$

Example 4.4 §4.3 source ↗

Write the formulas of the following ionic compounds:

(a) chromium(III) phosphide

(b) mercury(II) sulfide

(d) copper(I) oxide

(e) iron(III) chloride dihydrate

Answer

(a) CrP; (b) HgS; (c) Mn₃(PO₄)₂; (d) Cu₂O; (e) FeCl₃∙2H₂O

Example 4.5 §4.3 source ↗

Write the formulas for the following compounds:

(a) phosphorus pentachloride

(b) dinitrogen monoxide

(d) carbon tetrachloride

Answer

(a) PCl₅; (b) N₂O; (c) IF₇; (d) CCl₄

Example 4.6 §4.4 source ↗

Both carbon monoxide, CO, and carbon dioxide, CO₂, are products of the combustion of fossil fuels. Both of these gases also cause problems: CO is toxic and CO₂ has been implicated in global climate change. What are the Lewis structures of these two molecules?

Answer

Example 4.7 §4.4 source ↗

The halogens form a class of compounds called the interhalogens, in which halogen atoms covalently bond to each other. Write the Lewis structures for the interhalogens BrCl₃ and

{ICl}_{4}^{−} .

Answer

Two Lewis structures are shown. The left depicts a bromine atom with two lone pairs of electrons single bonded to three chlorine atoms, each with three lone pairs of electrons. The right shows an iodine atom, with two lone pairs of electrons, single boned to four chlorine atoms, each with three lone pairs of electrons. This structure is surrounded by brackets and has a superscripted negative sign.

Example 4.8 §4.5 source ↗

Calculate the formal charge for each atom in the carbon monoxide molecule:

Answer

C −1, O +1

Example 4.9 §4.5 source ↗

Determine the formal charge for each atom in NCl₃.

Answer

N: 0; all three Cl atoms: 0

Example 4.10 §4.5 source ↗

Which is the most likely molecular structure for the nitrite

({NO}_{2}^{−})

ion?

Answer

ONO^–

Example 4.11 §4.6 source ↗

Carbonate,

{CO}_{3}^{2−},

is a common polyatomic ion found in various materials from eggshells to antacids. What are the electron-pair geometry and molecular structure of this polyatomic ion?

Answer

The electron-pair geometry is trigonal planar and the molecular structure is trigonal planar. Due to resonance, all three C–O bonds are identical. Whether they are single, double, or an average of the two, each bond counts as one region of electron density.

Example 4.12 §4.6 source ↗

Identify a molecule with trigonal bipyramidal molecular structure.

Answer

Any molecule with five electron pairs around the central atoms including no lone pairs will be trigonal bipyramidal. PF₅ is a common example.

Example 4.13 §4.6 source ↗

The hydronium ion, H₃O⁺, forms when acids are dissolved in water. Predict the electron-pair geometry and molecular structure of this cation.

Answer

electron pair geometry: tetrahedral; molecular structure: trigonal pyramidal

Example 4.14 §4.6 source ↗

Predict the electron pair geometry and molecular structure for molecules of XeF₂.

Answer

The electron-pair geometry is trigonal bipyramidal. The molecular structure is linear.

Example 4.15 §4.6 source ↗

In a certain molecule, the central atom has three lone pairs and two bonds. What will the electron pair geometry and molecular structure be?

Answer

electron pair geometry: trigonal bipyramidal; molecular structure: linear

Example 4.16 §4.6 source ↗

Another amino acid is alanine, which has the Lewis structure shown here. Predict the electron-pair geometry and local structure of the nitrogen atom, the three carbon atoms, and the oxygen atom with hydrogen attached:

A Lewis structure depicts a nitrogen atom with two lone pairs of electrons that is single bonded to two hydrogen atoms and a carbon atom, which is, in turn, single bonded to a hydrogen atom, a methyl group and another carbon atom. This carbon atom is single bonded to an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons and single bonded to an oxygen that has two lone pairs of electrons and a single bond to a hydrogen atom.

Answer

electron-pair geometries: nitrogen––tetrahedral; carbon (CH)—tetrahedral; carbon (CH₃)—tetrahedral; carbon (CO₂)—trigonal planar; oxygen (OH)—tetrahedral; local structures: nitrogen—trigonal pyramidal; carbon (CH)—tetrahedral; carbon (CH₃)—tetrahedral; carbon (CO₂)—trigonal planar; oxygen (OH)—bent (109°)

Example 4.17 §4.6 source ↗

Build a more complex molecule in the simulator. Identify the electron-group geometry, molecular structure, and bond angles. Then try to find a chemical formula that would match the structure you have drawn.

Answer

Answers will vary. For example, an atom with four single bonds, a double bond, and a lone pair has an octahedral electron-group geometry and a square pyramidal molecular structure. XeOF₄ is a molecule that adopts this structure.

Example 4.18 §4.6 source ↗

Determine the partial charges that will give the largest possible bond dipoles.

Answer

The largest bond moments will occur with the largest partial charges. The two solutions above represent how unevenly the electrons are shared in the bond. The bond moments will be maximized when the electronegativity difference is greatest. The controls for A and C should be set to one extreme, and B should be set to the opposite extreme. Although the magnitude of the bond moment will not change based on whether B is the most electronegative or the least, the direction of the bond moment will.

4-1 §4.1 source ↗

Does a cation gain protons to form a positive charge or does it lose electrons?

Answer

The protons in the nucleus do not change during normal chemical reactions. Only the outer electrons move. Positive charges form when electrons are lost.

4-3 §4.1 source ↗

Which of the following atoms would be expected to form negative ions in binary ionic compounds and which would be expected to form positive ions: P, I, Mg, Cl, In, Cs, O, Pb, Co?

Answer

P, I, Cl, and O would form anions because they are nonmetals. Mg, In, Cs, Pb, and Co would form cations because they are metals.

4-5 §4.1 source ↗

Predict the charge on the monatomic ions formed from the following atoms in binary ionic compounds:

(a) P

(b) Mg

(d) O

(e) Cl

(f) Cs

Answer

(a) P^3–; (b) Mg²⁺; (c) Al³⁺; (d) O^2–; (e) Cl^–; (f) Cs⁺

4-7 §4.1 source ↗

Write the electron configuration for each of the following ions:

(a) As^3–

(b) I^–

(d) Cd²⁺

(e) O^2–

(f) Ga³⁺

(g) Li⁺

(h) N^3–

(i) Sn²⁺

(j) Co²⁺

(k) Fe²⁺

(l) As³⁺

Answer

(a) [Ar]4s²3d¹⁰4p⁶; (b) [Kr]4d¹⁰5s²5p⁶ (c) 1s² (d) [Kr]4d¹⁰; (e) [He]2s²2p⁶; (f) [Ar]3d¹⁰; (g) 1s² (h) [He]2s²2p⁶ (i) [Kr]4d¹⁰5s² (j) [Ar]3d⁷ (k) [Ar]3d⁶, (l) [Ar]3d¹⁰4s²

4-9 §4.1 source ↗

Write out the full electron configuration for each of the following atoms and for the monatomic ion found in binary ionic compounds containing the element:

(a) Al

(b) Br

(d) Li

(e) As

(f) S

Answer

(a) 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p¹; Al³⁺: 1s²2s²2p⁶; (b) 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d¹⁰4s²4p⁵; 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d¹⁰4s²4p⁶; (c) 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d¹⁰4s²4p⁶5s²; Sr²⁺: 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d¹⁰4s²4p⁶; (d) 1s²2s¹; Li⁺: 1s²; (e) 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d¹⁰4s²4p³; 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d¹⁰4s²4p⁶; (f) 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁴; 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶

4-11 §4.2 source ↗

Why is it incorrect to speak of a molecule of solid NaCl?

Answer

NaCl consists of discrete ions arranged in a crystal lattice, not covalently bonded molecules.

4-13 §4.2 source ↗

Predict which of the following compounds are ionic and which are covalent, based on the location of their constituent atoms in the periodic table:

(a) Cl₂CO

(b) MnO

(d) CoBr₂

(e) K₂S

(f) CO

(g) CaF₂

(h) HI

(i) CaO

(j) IBr

(k) CO₂

Answer

ionic: (b), (d), (e), (g), and (i); covalent: (a), (c), (f), (h), (j), and (k)

4-15 §4.2 source ↗

From its position in the periodic table, determine which atom in each pair is more electronegative:

(a) Br or Cl

(b) N or O

(d) P or S

(e) Si or N

(f) Ba or P

(g) N or K

Answer

(a) Cl; (b) O; (c) O; (d) S; (e) N; (f) P; (g) N

4-17 §4.2 source ↗

From their positions in the periodic table, arrange the atoms in each of the following series in order of increasing electronegativity:

(a) C, F, H, N, O

(b) Br, Cl, F, H, I

(d) Al, H, Na, O, P

(e) Ba, H, N, O, As

Answer

(a) H, C, N, O, F; (b) H, I, Br, Cl, F; (c) H, P, S, O, F; (d) Na, Al, H, P, O; (e) Ba, H, As, N, O

4-19 §4.2 source ↗

Which atoms can bond to sulfur so as to produce a positive partial charge on the sulfur atom?

Answer

N, O, F, and Cl

4-21 §4.2 source ↗

Identify the more polar bond in each of the following pairs of bonds:

(a) HF or HCl

(b) NO or CO

(d) PCl or SCl

(e) CH or NH

(f) SO or PO

(g) CN or NN

Answer

(a) HF; (b) CO; (c) OH; (d) PCl; (e) NH; (f) PO; (g) CN

4-23 §4.3 source ↗

Name the following compounds:

(a) CsCl

(b) BaO

(d) BeCl₂

(e) HBr

(f) AlF₃

Answer

(a) cesium chloride; (b) barium oxide; (c) potassium sulfide; (d) beryllium chloride; (e) hydrogen bromide; (f) aluminum fluoride

4-25 §4.3 source ↗

Write the formulas of the following compounds:

(a) rubidium bromide

(b) magnesium selenide

(d) calcium chloride

(e) hydrogen fluoride

(f) gallium phosphide

(g) aluminum bromide

(h) ammonium sulfate

Answer

(a) RbBr; (b) MgSe; (c) Na₂O; (d) CaCl₂; (e) HF; (f) GaP; (g) AlBr₃; (h) (NH₄)₂SO₄

4-27 §4.3 source ↗

Write the formulas of the following compounds:

(a) chlorine dioxide

(b) dinitrogen tetraoxide

(d) silver sulfide

(e) aluminum fluoride trihydrate

(f) silicon dioxide

Answer

(a) ClO₂; (b) N₂O₄; (c) K₃P; (d) Ag₂S; (e) AIF₃∙3H₂O; (f) SiO₂

4-29 §4.3 source ↗

Each of the following compounds contains a metal that can exhibit more than one ionic charge. Name these compounds:

(a) Cr₂O₃

(b) FeCl₂

(d) TiCl₄

(e) CoCl₂∙6H₂O

(f) MoS₂

Answer

(a) chromium(III) oxide; (b) iron(II) chloride; (c) chromium(VI) oxide; (d) titanium(IV) chloride; (e) cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate; (f) molybdenum(IV) sulfide

4-31 §4.3 source ↗

The following ionic compounds are found in common household products. Write the formulas for each compound:

(a) potassium phosphate

(b) copper(II) sulfate

(d) titanium(IV) oxide

(e) ammonium nitrate

(f) sodium bisulfate (the common name for sodium hydrogen sulfate)

Answer

(a) K₃PO₄; (b) CuSO₄; (c) CaCl₂; (d) TiO₂; (e) NH₄NO₃; (f) NaHSO₄

4-33 §4.3 source ↗

What are the IUPAC names of the following compounds?

(a) manganese dioxide

(b) mercurous chloride (Hg₂Cl₂)

(d) titanium tetrachloride

(e) cupric bromide (CuBr₂)

Answer

(a) manganese(IV) oxide; (b) mercury(I) chloride; (c) iron(III) nitrate; (d) titanium(IV) chloride; (e) copper(II) bromide

4-34 §4.4 source ↗

Write the Lewis symbols for each of the following ions:

(a) As^3–

(b) I^–

(d) O^2–

(e) Ga³⁺

(f) Li⁺

(g) N^3–

Answer

(a) eight electrons:

(b) eight electrons:

(e) no electrons Ga³⁺
(f) no electrons Li⁺
(g) eight electrons:

4-36 §4.4 source ↗

Write the Lewis symbols of the ions in each of the following ionic compounds and the Lewis symbols of the atom from which they are formed:

(a) MgS

(b) Al₂O₃

(d) K₂O

(e) Li₃N

(f) KF

Answer

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

4-38 §4.4 source ↗

Write the Lewis structure for the diatomic molecule P₂, an unstable form of phosphorus found in high-temperature phosphorus vapor.

Answer

4-40 §4.4 source ↗

Write Lewis structures for the following:

(a) O₂

(b) H₂CO

(d) ClNO

(e) SiCl₄

(f) H₃O⁺

(g) ${NH}_{4}^{+}$

(h) ${BF}_{4}^{−}$

(i) HCCH

(j) ClCN

(k) $C_{2}^{2+}$

Answer

(a)

In this case, the Lewis structure is inadequate to depict the fact that experimental studies have shown two unpaired electrons in each oxygen molecule.
(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

A Lewis structure shows a silicon atom that is single bonded to four chlorine atoms. Each chlorine atom has three lone pairs of electrons.

(f)

(g)

A Lewis structure shows a nitrogen atom single bonded to four hydrogen atoms. The structure is surrounded by brackets with a superscripted positive sign.

(h)

A Lewis structure shows a boron atom single bonded to four fluorine atoms. Each fluorine atom has three lone pairs of electrons. The structure is surrounded by brackets with a superscripted negative sign.

(i)

(j)

(k)

4-42 §4.4 source ↗

Write Lewis structures for the following:

(a) SeF₆

(b) XeF₄

(d) Cl₂BBCl₂ (contains a B–B bond)

Answer

(a) SeF₆:

A Lewis structure shows a selenium atom single bonded to six fluorine atoms, each with three lone pairs of electrons.

(b) XeF₄:

A Lewis structure shows a xenon atom with two lone pairs of electrons. It is single bonded to four fluorine atoms each with three lone pairs of electrons.

(d) Cl₂BBCl₂:

A Lewis structure shows two boron atoms that are single bonded together. Each is also single bonded to two chlorine atoms that both have three lone pairs of electrons.

4-44 §4.4 source ↗

Correct the following statement: “The bonds in solid PbCl₂ are ionic; the bond in a HCl molecule is covalent. Thus, all of the valence electrons in PbCl₂ are located on the Cl^– ions, and all of the valence electrons in a HCl molecule are shared between the H and Cl atoms.”

Answer

Two valence electrons per Pb atom are transferred to Cl atoms; the resulting Pb²⁺ ion has a 6s² valence shell configuration. Two of the valence electrons in the HCl molecule are shared, and the other six are located on the Cl atom as lone pairs of electrons.

4-46 §4.4 source ↗

Methanol, H₃COH, is used as the fuel in some race cars. Ethanol, C₂H₅OH, is used extensively as motor fuel in Brazil. Both methanol and ethanol produce CO₂ and H₂O when they burn. Write the chemical equations for these combustion reactions using Lewis structures instead of chemical formulas.

Answer

Two reactions are shown using Lewis structures. The top reaction shows a carbon atom, single bonded to three hydrogen atoms and single bonded to an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons. The oxygen atom is also bonded to a hydrogen atom. This is followed by a plus sign and the number one point five, followed by two oxygen atoms bonded together with a double bond and each with two lone pairs of electrons. A right-facing arrow leads to a carbon atom that is double bonded to two oxygen atoms, each of which has two lone pairs of electrons. This structure is followed by a plus sign, a number two, and a structure made up of an oxygen with two lone pairs of electrons single bonded to two hydrogen atoms. The bottom reaction shows a carbon atom, single bonded to three hydrogen atoms and single bonded to another carbon atom. The second carbon atom is single bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons. The oxygen atom is also bonded to a hydrogen atom. This is followed by a plus sign and the number three, followed by two oxygen atoms bonded together with a double bond. Each oxygen atom has two lone pairs of electrons. A right-facing arrow leads to a number two and a carbon atom that is double bonded to two oxygen atoms, each of which has two lone pairs of electrons. This structure is followed by a plus sign, a number three, and a structure made up of an oxygen with two lone pairs of electrons single bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

4-48 §4.4 source ↗

Carbon tetrachloride was formerly used in fire extinguishers for electrical fires. It is no longer used for this purpose because of the formation of the toxic gas phosgene, Cl₂CO. Write the Lewis structures for carbon tetrachloride and phosgene.

Answer

Two Lewis structures are shown. The left depicts a carbon atom single bonded to four chlorine atoms, each with three lone pairs of electrons. The right shows a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom that has two lone pairs of electrons. The carbon atom is also single bonded to two chlorine atoms, each of which has three lone pairs of electrons.

4-50 §4.4 source ↗

The arrangement of atoms in several biologically important molecules is given here. Complete the Lewis structures of these molecules by adding multiple bonds and lone pairs. Do not add any more atoms.

(a) the amino acid serine:

A Lewis structure is shown. A nitrogen atom is single bonded to two hydrogen atoms and a carbon atom. The carbon atom is single bonded to a hydrogen atom and two other carbon atoms. One of these carbon atoms is single bonded to two hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is bonded to a hydrogen atom. The other carbon atom is single bonded to two oxygen atoms, one of which is bonded to a hydrogen atom.

(b) urea:

A Lewis structure is shown. A carbon atom is single bonded to three hydrogen atoms and another carbon atom. The second carbon atom is single bonded to an oxygen atom and a third carbon atom. This carbon is then single bonded to two oxygen atoms, one of which is single bonded to a hydrogen atom.

(d) uracil:

A Lewis hexagonal ring structure is shown. From the top of the ring (moving clockwise), three carbon atoms, one nitrogen atom, a carbon atom, and a nitrogen atom are single bonded to each another. The top carbon atom is single bonded to an oxygen atom. The second and third carbons and the nitrogen atom are each single bonded to a hydrogen atom. The next carbon atom is single bonded to an oxygen atom, and the last nitrogen atom is single bonded to a hydrogen atom.

(e) carbonic acid:

Answer

(a)

(b)

(c)

A Lewis structure is shown. A carbon atom is single bonded to three hydrogen atoms and a carbon atom. The carbon atom is single bonded to an oxygen atom and a third carbon atom. This carbon is then single bonded to two oxygen atoms, one of which is single bonded to a hydrogen atom. Each oxygen atom has two lone pairs of electron dots.

(d)

A Lewis hexagonal ring structure is shown. From the top of the ring, three carbon atoms, one nitrogen atom, a carbon atom and a nitrogen atom are single bonded to one another. The top carbon is single bonded to an oxygen, the second and third carbons and the nitrogen atom are each single bonded to a hydrogen atom. The next carbon is single bonded to an oxygen atom and the last nitrogen is single bonded to a hydrogen atom. The oxygen atoms have two lone pairs of electron dots, and the nitrogen atoms have one lone pair of electron dots.

(e)

4-52 §4.4 source ↗

A compound with a molar mass of about 42 g/mol contains 85.7% carbon and 14.3% hydrogen by mass. Write the Lewis structure for a molecule of the compound.

Answer

A Lewis structure is shown. A carbon atom is single bonded to three hydrogen atoms and another carbon atom. The second carbon atom is double bonded to another carbon atom and single bonded to a hydrogen atom. The last carbon is single bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

4-54 §4.4 source ↗

How are single, double, and triple bonds similar? How do they differ?

Answer

Each bond includes a sharing of electrons between atoms. Two electrons are shared in a single bond; four electrons are shared in a double bond; and six electrons are shared in a triple bond.

4-56 §4.5 source ↗

Write resonance forms that describe the distribution of electrons in each of these molecules or ions.

(a) sulfur dioxide, SO₂

(b) carbonate ion, ${CO}_{3}^{2−}$

(d) pyridine:

A Lewis structure depicts a hexagonal ring composed of five carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. Each carbon atom is single bonded to a hydrogen atom.

(e) the allyl ion:

Answer

(a)

(b)

Three Lewis structures are shown, with double-headed arrows in between, each surrounded by brackets and a superscripted two negative sign. The left structure depicts a carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms. It is single bonded to two of these oxygen atoms, each of which has three lone pairs of electrons, and double bonded to the third, which has two lone pairs of electrons. The double bond is located between the bottom oxygen and the carbon. The central and right structures are the same as the first, but the position of the double bonded oxygen has moved to the left oxygen in the right structure while the central structure only has single bonds. The lone pairs of electrons change to correspond with the bonds as well.

(c)

Two Lewis structures are shown, with a double-headed arrow in between, each surrounded by brackets and a superscripted negative sign. The left structure depicts a carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms. It is single bonded to one of these oxygen atoms, which has three lone pairs of electrons, and double bonded to the other two, which have two lone pairs of electrons. One of the double bonded oxygen atoms also has a single bond to a hydrogen atom. The right structure is the same as the first, but there is only one double bonded oxygen. The oxygen with the single bonded hydrogen now has a single bond to the carbon atom. The lone pairs of electrons have also changed to correspond with the bonds.

(d)

Two Lewis structures are shown with a double-headed arrow in between. The left structure depicts a hexagonal ring composed of five carbon atoms, each single bonded to a hydrogen atom, and one nitrogen atom that has a lone pair of electrons. The ring has alternating single and double bonds. The right structure is the same as the first, but each double bond has rotated to a new position.

(e)

4-58 §4.5 source ↗

Sodium nitrite, which has been used to preserve bacon and other meats, is an ionic compound. Write the resonance forms of the nitrite ion,

{NO}_{2}^{–} .

Answer

4-60 §4.5 source ↗

Write the Lewis structures for the following, and include resonance structures where appropriate. Indicate which has the strongest carbon-oxygen bond.

(a) CO₂

(b) CO

Answer

(a)

(b)

CO has the strongest carbon-oxygen bond because there is a triple bond joining C and O. CO₂ has double bonds.

4-62 §4.5 source ↗

Determine the formal charge of each element in the following:

(a) HCl

(b) CF₄

(d) PF₅

Answer

(a) H: 0, Cl: 0; (b) C: 0, F: 0; (c) P: 0, Cl 0; (d) P: 0, F: 0

4-64 §4.5 source ↗

Calculate the formal charge of chlorine in the molecules Cl₂, BeCl₂, and ClF₅.

Answer

Cl in Cl₂: 0; Cl in BeCl₂: 0; Cl in ClF₅: 0

4-66 §4.5 source ↗

Draw all possible resonance structures for each of these compounds. Determine the formal charge on each atom in each of the resonance structures:

(a) O₃

(b) SO₂

(d) ${NO}_{3}^{−}$

Answer

(a)

(b)

(c)

[Two Lewis structures are shown, with brackets surrounding each with a superscripted negative sign and a double ended arrow in between. The left structure shows a nitrogen atom with one lone pair of electrons single bonded to an oxygen atom with three lone pairs of electrons and double bonded to an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons. The symbols and numbers below this structure read “open parenthesis, 0, close parenthesis, open parenthesis, 0, close parenthesis, open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis. The right structure appears as a mirror image of the left and the symbols and numbers below this structure read “open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis, open parenthesis, 0, close parenthesis, open parenthesis, 0, close parenthesis.]

(d)

[Three Lewis structures are shown, with brackets surrounding each with a superscripted negative sign and a double ended arrow in between. The left structure shows a nitrogen atom single bonded to two oxygen atoms, each with three lone pairs of electrons and double bonded to an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons. The single bonded oxygen atoms are labeled, from the top of the structure and going clockwise, “open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis, open parenthesis, positive 1, close parenthesis”. The symbols and numbers below this structure read “open parenthesis, 0, close parenthesis, open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis. The middle structure shows a nitrogen atom single bonded to two oxygen atoms, each with three lone pairs of electrons, one of which is labeled “open parenthesis, positive 1, close parenthesis” and double bonded to an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons labeled “open parenthesis, 0, close parenthesis”. The symbols and numbers below this structure read “open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis, open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis. The right structure shows a nitrogen atom single bonded to two oxygen atoms, each with three lone pairs of electrons and double bonded to an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons. One of the single bonded oxygen atoms is labeled, “open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis while the double bonded oxygen is labeled, “open parenthesis, positive 1, close parenthesis”. The symbols and numbers below this structure read “open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis” and “open parenthesis, 0, close parenthesis”.]

4-68 §4.5 source ↗

Based on formal charge considerations, which of the following would likely be the correct arrangement of atoms in hypochlorous acid: HOCl or OClH?

Answer

HOCl

4-70 §4.5 source ↗

Draw the structure of hydroxylamine, H₃NO, and assign formal charges; look up the structure. Is the actual structure consistent with the formal charges?

Answer

The structure that gives zero formal charges is consistent with the actual structure:

A Lewis structure shows a nitrogen atom with one lone pair of electrons single bonded to two hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom which has two lone pairs of electrons. The oxygen atom is single bonded to a hydrogen atom.

4-72 §4.5 source ↗

Write the Lewis structure and chemical formula of the compound with a molar mass of about 70 g/mol that contains 19.7% nitrogen and 80.3% fluorine by mass, and determine the formal charge of the atoms in this compound.

Answer

NF₃;

4-74 §4.5 source ↗

Sulfuric acid is the industrial chemical produced in greatest quantity worldwide. About 90 billion pounds are produced each year in the United States alone. Write the Lewis structure for sulfuric acid, H₂SO₄, which has two oxygen atoms and two OH groups bonded to the sulfur.

Answer

A Lewis structure shows a hydrogen atom single bonded to an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons. The oxygen atom is single bonded to a sulfur atom. The sulfur atom is double bonded to two oxygen atoms, each of which have three lone pairs of electrons, and single bonded to an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons. This oxygen atom is single bonded to a hydrogen atom.

4-75 §4.6 source ↗

Explain why the HOH molecule is bent, whereas the HBeH molecule is linear.

Answer

The placement of the two sets of unpaired electrons in water forces the bonds to assume a tetrahedral arrangement, and the resulting HOH molecule is bent. The HBeH molecule (in which Be has only two electrons to bond with the two electrons from the hydrogens) must have the electron pairs as far from one another as possible and is therefore linear.

4-77 §4.6 source ↗

Explain the difference between electron-pair geometry and molecular structure.

Answer

Space must be provided for each pair of electrons whether they are in a bond or are present as lone pairs. Electron-pair geometry considers the placement of all electrons. Molecular structure considers only the bonding-pair geometry.

4-79 §4.6 source ↗

Explain how a molecule that contains polar bonds can be nonpolar.

Answer

As long as the polar bonds are compensated (for example. two identical atoms are found directly across the central atom from one another), the molecule can be nonpolar.

4-81 §4.6 source ↗

Predict the electron pair geometry and the molecular structure of each of the following molecules or ions:

(a) SF₆

(b) PCl₅

(d) ${CH}_{3}^{+}$

Answer

(a) Both the electron geometry and the molecular structure are octahedral. (b) Both the electron geometry and the molecular structure are trigonal bipyramid. (c) Both the electron geometry and the molecular structure are linear. (d) Both the electron geometry and the molecular structure are trigonal planar.

4-83 §4.6 source ↗

What are the electron-pair geometry and the molecular structure of each of the following molecules or ions?

(a) ClF₅

(b) ${ClO}_{2}^{−}$

(d) PCl₃

(e) SeF₄

(f) ${PH}_{2}^{−}$

Answer

(a) electron-pair geometry: octahedral, molecular structure: square pyramidal; (b) electron-pair geometry: tetrahedral, molecular structure: bent; (c) electron-pair geometry: octahedral, molecular structure: square planar; (d) electron-pair geometry: tetrahedral, molecular structure: trigonal pyramidal; (e) electron-pair geometry: trigonal bypyramidal, molecular structure: seesaw; (f) electron-pair geometry: tetrahedral, molecular structure: bent (109°)

4-85 §4.6 source ↗

Identify the electron pair geometry and the molecular structure of each of the following molecules:

(a) ClNO (N is the central atom)

(b) CS₂

(d) Cl₂SO (S is the central atom)

(e) SO₂F₂ (S is the central atom)

(f) XeO₂F₂ (Xe is the central atom)

(g) ${ClOF}_{2}^{+}$ (Cl is the central atom)

Answer

(a) electron-pair geometry: trigonal planar, molecular structure: bent (120°); (b) electron-pair geometry: linear, molecular structure: linear; (c) electron-pair geometry: trigonal planar, molecular structure: trigonal planar; (d) electron-pair geometry: tetrahedral, molecular structure: trigonal pyramidal; (e) electron-pair geometry: tetrahedral, molecular structure: tetrahedral; (f) electron-pair geometry: trigonal bipyramidal, molecular structure: seesaw; (g) electron-pair geometry: tetrahedral, molecular structure: trigonal pyramidal

4-87 §4.6 source ↗

Which of the following molecules and ions contain polar bonds? Which of these molecules and ions have dipole moments?

(a) ClF₅

(b) ${ClO}_{2}^{−}$

(d) PCl₃

(e) SeF₄

(f) ${PH}_{2}^{−}$

(g) XeF₂

Answer

All of these molecules and ions contain polar bonds. Only ClF₅,

{ClO}_{2}^{−},

PCl₃, SeF₄, and

{PH}_{2}^{−}

have dipole moments.

4-89 §4.6 source ↗

Which of the following molecules have dipole moments?

(a) CS₂

(b) SeS₂

(d) PCl₃ (P is the central atom)

(e) ClNO (N is the central atom)

Answer

SeS₂, CCl₂F₂, PCl₃, and ClNO all have dipole moments.

4-91 §4.6 source ↗

The molecule XF₃ has a dipole moment. Is X boron or phosphorus?

Answer

4-93 §4.6 source ↗

Is the Cl₂BBCl₂ molecule polar or nonpolar?

Answer

nonpolar

4-95 §4.6 source ↗

Describe the molecular structure around the indicated atom or atoms:

(a) the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid, H₂SO₄ [(HO)₂SO₂]

(b) the chlorine atom in chloric acid, HClO₃ [HOClO₂]

(d) the nitrogen atom in nitric acid, HNO₃ [HONO₂]

(e) the oxygen atom in the OH group in nitric acid, HNO₃ [HONO₂]

(f) the central oxygen atom in the ozone molecule, O₃

(g) each of the carbon atoms in propyne, CH₃CCH

(h) the carbon atom in Freon, CCl₂F₂

(i) each of the carbon atoms in allene, H₂CCCH₂

Answer

(a) tetrahedral; (b) trigonal pyramidal; (c) bent (109°); (d) trigonal planar; (e) bent (<120°); (f) bent (109°); (g) CH₃CCH tetrahedral, CH₃CCH linear; (h) tetrahedral; (i) H₂CCCH₂ linear; H₂CCCH₂ trigonal planar

4-97 §4.6 source ↗

A molecule with the formula AB₂, in which A and B represent different atoms, could have one of three different shapes. Sketch and name the three different shapes that this molecule might have. Give an example of a molecule or ion for each shape.

Answer

Three Lewis diagrams are shown. The first diagram shows the letter A single bonded to the left and right to the letter B. An example, “C O subscript 2,” and the term, “linear,” are written beside this diagram. The second diagram shows the letter A with two lone pairs of electrons, single bonded to the left and lower right to the letter B. An example, “H subscript 2 O,” and the term, “bent with an approximately 109 degree angle,” are written beside this diagram. The third diagram shows the letter A with one lone electron pair, single bonded to the left and lower right to the letter B. An example, “S O subscript 2,” and the term, “bent with an approximately 120 degree angle,” are written beside this diagram.

4-99 §4.6 source ↗

Draw the Lewis electron dot structures for these molecules, including resonance structures where appropriate:

(a) ${CS}_{3}^{2−}$

(b) CS₂

(d) predict the molecular shapes for ${CS}_{3}^{2−}$ and CS₂ and explain how you arrived at your predictions

Answer

(a)

The figure shows three Lewis structures that are each surrounded by brackets and have a superscripted 2 negative sign. They are written with a double-headed arrow in between each diagram. The first of this trio has a carbon atom single bonded to two sulfur atoms, each of which has thee lone pairs of electrons, and double bonded to a third sulfur atom with two lone pairs of electrons. The second and third diagrams have the same atoms present, but each time the double bond moves between a different carbon and sulfur pair. The lone electron pairs also shift to correspond with the bond changes.

(b)

(c)

(d) ${CS}_{3}^{2−}$ includes three regions of electron density (all are bonds with no lone pairs); the shape is trigonal planar; CS₂ has only two regions of electron density (all bonds with no lone pairs); the shape is linear

4-101 §4.6 source ↗

A compound with a molar mass of about 42 g/mol contains 85.7% carbon and 14.3% hydrogen. What is its molecular structure?

Answer

The Lewis structure is made from three units, but the atoms must be rearranged:

A Lewis structure is shown in which a carbon atom is single bonded to three hydrogen atoms and a second carbon atom. The second carbon is single bonded to a hydrogen atom and double bonded to a third carbon atom which is single bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

4-103 §4.6 source ↗

Use the simulation to perform the following exercises for a real molecule. You may need to rotate the molecules in three dimensions to see certain dipoles.

(a) Sketch the bond dipoles and molecular dipole (if any) for O_3. Explain your observations.

(b) Look at the bond dipoles for NH₃. Use these dipoles to predict whether N or H is more electronegative.

(c) Predict whether there should be a molecular dipole for NH₃ and, if so, in which direction it will point. Check the molecular dipole box to test your hypothesis.

Answer

The molecular dipole points away from the hydrogen atoms.

4-105 §4.6 source ↗

Use the Molecule Shape simulator to explore real molecules. On the Real Molecules tab, select H₂O. Switch between the “real” and “model” modes. Explain the difference observed.

Answer

The structures are very similar. In the model mode, each electron group occupies the same amount of space, so the bond angle is shown as 109.5°. In the “real” mode, the lone pairs are larger, causing the hydrogens to be compressed. This leads to the smaller angle of 104.5°.

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Problems and answers are adapted from Chemistry: Atoms First 2e by Paul Flowers, Edward J. Neth, William R. Robinson, Klaus Theopold and Richard Langley, OpenStax, and are used under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/chemistry-atoms-first-2e/pages/1-introduction. Illustrations: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. This adaptation is released under the same licence, is non-commercial, and is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by OpenStax or Rice University.