Chapter 2: Problem 40
Consider the Lewis structures for the following molecules: $$\begin{equation} \mathrm{CO}_{2}, \mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}, \mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-}, \text {and } \mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-} \end{equation}$$ Which molecule or molecules exhibit \(s p^{2}\) hybridization around the central atom? (A) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\) (B) \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-}\) and \(\mathrm{NO}_{3^{-}}\) (C) \(\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\) and \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\) (D) \(\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}, \mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-},\) and \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Lewis Structure and hybridization
Analyzing \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\)
Analyzing \(\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\)
Analyzing \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-}\)
Analyzing \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\)
Final Answer
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Lewis structures
- Count the total number of valence electrons for the molecule.
- Arrange the atoms, determining which is the central atom (typically the least electronegative).
- Draw single bonds (σ-bonds) between the central atom and surrounding atoms.
- Distribute the remaining electrons as lone pairs to complete the octet for each atom.
- If necessary, form double or triple bonds to fulfill the octet rule for each atom.
sigma bonds
- These bonds are commonly found in all the basic types of covalent bonds: single, double, and triple bonds.
- In a double bond, there is one σ-bond and one π-bond, while in a triple bond, there is one σ-bond and two π-bonds.
- In organic molecules, these are formed between hybridized orbitals such as η-orbitals and the remaining non-hybridized p orbitals.
central atom hybridization
- For an atom exhibiting \(sp^2\) hybridization, it means the atom has three regions of electron density (i.e., bonds or lone pairs).
- An example is carbon in \(\text{CO}_3^{2-}\), where it bonds with three oxygen atoms using three \(\sigma\)-bonds.
- The concept explains how atoms like nitrogen or carbon, which involve \(sp^2\) hybridization, aim to minimize repulsion to attain a stable configuration.
electron pairs
- Bonding pairs are shared between atoms as part of a bond, creating the \(\sigma\)=bond.
- Lone pairs reside on a single atom and occupy space, affecting the geometry and bond angles.
- Each lone pair counts as one region of electron density.
molecular geometry
- The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory helps predict the geometry by minimizing electron pair repulsions.
- For \(sp^2\) hybridized central atoms, a typical molecular geometry is trigonal planar, with bond angles of approximately 120 degrees.
- Molecules like \(\text{CO}_3^{2-}\) and \(\text{NO}_3^{-}\) exhibit such geometries.