Important Dates

  • HW and modules deadlines:
    • Lecture 24 HW due: November 7th, 2025, 11:59 PM
    • Lecture 25 HW due: November 10th, 2025, 11:59 PM
    • ALEKS Chapter 8 Module due: November 9th, 2025, 11:59 PM
  • Exam 4 on: November 19th, 2025

Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory

  • Electron groups determine electron-domain geometry:
    • 2: Linear
    • 3: Trigonal planar
    • 4: Tetrahedral
    • 5: Trigonal bipyramidal
    • 6: Octahedral
  • Molecular shape influenced by bonded atoms vs lone pairs.

Electron Group Geometry and Molecular Geometry Summary

# of Electron Groups# of Bonded Atoms# Lone PairsAXmEnElectron-Domain GeometryMolecular GeometryPredicted Bond Angle
220AX2LinearLinear180°
330AX3Trigonal PlanarTrigonal Planar120°
321AX2ETrigonal PlanarBent<120°
440AX4TetrahedralTetrahedral109.5°
431AX3ETetrahedralTrigonal pyramidal<109.5°
550AX5Trigonal BipyramidalTrigonal Bipyramidal90°/120°
660AX6OctahedralOctahedral90°

Molecular Polarity

  • Determined by electronegativity difference (ΔEN):
    • Polar bond if ΔEN > 0.4
    • Non-polar bond if ΔEN < 0.4
  • Asymmetry in molecular shape leads to polar molecules.

Covalent Bonding & Valence Bond Theory

  • Covalent bonds form through orbital overlap configurations:
    • Orbitals share electrons; max of two electrons (paired spins).
  • Exothermic nature: Bonds lower potential energy.

Hybridization

  • Atomic orbitals mix to form hybrid orbitals; shapes depend on geometry:
    • sp (linear), sp² (trigonal planar), sp³ (tetrahedral).
  • Hybridization is necessary for individual bond structures.

Sigma and Pi Bonds

  • Sigma (σ) bonds: Formed through head-on overlap; cylindrical symmetry.
  • Pi (π) bonds: Formed side-on; weaker than σ bonds, restrict rotation.
  • Bond Order:
    • Single bond: BO = 1
    • Double bond: BO = 2 (1 σ + 1 π)
    • Triple bond: BO = 3 (1 σ + 2 π)

Practice Concepts

  • Calculate hybridization, molecular geometry, bond angles for given compounds (e.g., SF4, BF3).
  • Analyze bonding structure and formal charges in Lewis structures.