Chapter 9: Problem 32
In which of the following \(\mathrm{AF}_{n}\) molecules or ions is there more than one \(\mathrm{F}-\mathrm{A}-\mathrm{F}\) bond angle: \(\mathrm{PF}_{6}^{-}, \mathrm{SbF}_{5}, \mathrm{SF}_{4}\) ?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Both \( \mathrm{SbF}_{5} \) and \( \mathrm{SF}_{4} \) have more than one \( \mathrm{F}-\mathrm{A}-\mathrm{F} \) bond angle.
Step by step solution
01
Determine Molecular Geometry of Each Species
First, identify the central atom in each molecule or ion and determine the electron-domain geometry according to the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. \( \mathrm{PF}_{6}^{-} \) has a central \( \mathrm{P} \) atom with 6 bonds, \( \mathrm{SbF}_{5} \) has a central \( \mathrm{Sb} \) atom with 5 bonds, and \( \mathrm{SF}_{4} \) has a central \( \mathrm{S} \) atom with 4 bonds and a lone pair. The geometries are octahedral for \( \mathrm{PF}_{6}^{-} \), trigonal bipyramidal for \( \mathrm{SbF}_{5} \), and see-saw for \( \mathrm{SF}_{4} \).
02
Analyze Bond Angles in \( \mathrm{PF}_{6}^{-} \)
In the octahedral geometry of \( \mathrm{PF}_{6}^{-} \), all \( \mathrm{F}-\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{F} \) bond angles are identical and equal to \( 90^\circ \) or \( 180^\circ \). This structure does not have more than one angle type.
03
Analyze Bond Angles in \( \mathrm{SbF}_{5} \)
The trigonal bipyramidal geometry in \( \mathrm{SbF}_{5} \) has different \( \mathrm{F}-\mathrm{Sb}-\mathrm{F} \) bond angles: equatorial \( 120^\circ \) and axial \( 90^\circ \). Therefore, more than one type of bond angle exists.
04
Analyze Bond Angles in \( \mathrm{SF}_{4} \)
The see-saw shape of \( \mathrm{SF}_{4} \) results in varying bond angles due to the presence of a lone pair. The \( \mathrm{F}-\mathrm{S}-\mathrm{F} \) bond angles differ between equatorial positions (approx. \( 120^\circ \)), axial positions (\( 90^\circ \)), and others are distorted because of lone pair repulsion, resulting in multiple distinct bond angle types.
05
Conclusion
Both \( \mathrm{SbF}_{5} \) and \( \mathrm{SF}_{4} \) have more than one type of \( \mathrm{F}-\mathrm{A}-\mathrm{F} \) bond angle, while \( \mathrm{PF}_{6}^{-} \) does not.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Molecular Geometry
Molecular geometry is like a three-dimensional map showing how atoms are arranged around a central atom in a molecule. This shape is crucial because it affects how molecules interact, their polarity, and even their chemical reactivity.
Based on the number of bonds and lone electron pairs around a central atom, we can predict molecular geometry using the VSEPR theory.
Based on the number of bonds and lone electron pairs around a central atom, we can predict molecular geometry using the VSEPR theory.
- For example, in the case of
\( \text{PF}_6^- \), the central phosphorus (P) atom is bonded to six fluorine atoms in an octahedral shape. This uniform geometric figure is known for its equal bond angles. - For
\( \text{SbF}_5 \), the central antimony (Sb) atom attaches to five fluorine atoms, resulting in a trigonal bipyramidal shape. - Finally,
\( \text{SF}_4 \)features a sulfur (S) atom with four bonded fluorine atoms and a lone pair of electrons, forming what's called a 'see-saw' shape.
Bond Angles
Bond angles are the angles between adjacent lines representing bonds on a 2D projection of a molecule. They are a vital aspect of understanding molecular geometry because they can indicate how a molecule might behave chemically and physically. These angles are measured in degrees and give insights into the spatial arrangement of atoms.
In molecules like
On the other hand:
In molecules like
\( \text{PF}_6^- \), all F-P-F bond angles are consistent at either 90° or 180° because of its symmetric octahedral shape. On the other hand:
\( \text{SbF}_5 \)exhibits bond angles of 120° between the equatorial F atoms and 90° between axial and equatorial fluorines due to its trigonal bipyramidal shape.- In
\( \text{SF}_4 \), the lone pair causes deviation from standard angles, with bond angles around 90° and slightly less than 120° as the structure favors a 'see-saw' conformation.
Electron-Domain Geometry
Electron-domain geometry provides a broader aspect on how the regions of electron density around the central atom are distributed. This not only includes bonds but also lone electron pairs, which significantly influences a molecule's overall shape.
The VSEPR theory uses the concept of electron pairs repelling each other to explain molecular structure. For instance:
The VSEPR theory uses the concept of electron pairs repelling each other to explain molecular structure. For instance:
- In
\( \text{PF}_6^- \), the electron-domain geometry is octahedral, with six bonding pairs and no lone pair, ensuring all domains are evenly spaced out. - For
\( \text{SbF}_5 \), it possesses a trigonal bipyramidal electron-domain geometry with no lone pairs to disrupt angles. - However, in
\( \text{SF}_4 \), the electron-domain geometry is also trigonal bipyramidal, but the presence of a lone pair at the equatorial position creates a see-saw shape as it pushes the bonded electrons, altering the expected angles.