Molecular Structure and Polarity

D. Latimer; D. Vanderwel; J. Hollett

43 Molecular Structure and Polarity

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Predict the structures of small molecules using valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory
Explain the concepts of polar covalent bonds and molecular polarity
Assess the polarity of a molecule based on its bonding and structure

Thus far, we have used two-dimensional Lewis structures to represent molecules. However, molecular structure is actually three-dimensional, and it is important to be able to describe molecular bonds in terms of their distances, angles, and relative arrangements in space ((Figure)). A bond angle is the angle between any two bonds that include a common atom, usually measured in degrees. A bond distance (or bond length) is the distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms along the straight line joining the nuclei. Bond distances are measured in Ångstroms (1 Å = 10^–10 m) or picometers (1 pm = 10^–12 m, 100 pm = 1 Å).

Bond distances (lengths) and angles are shown for the formaldehyde molecule, H₂CO.

VSEPR Theory

Valence shell electron-pair repulsion theory (VSEPR theory) enables us to predict the molecular structure, including approximate bond angles around a central atom, of a molecule from an examination of the number of bonds and lone electron pairs in its Lewis structure. The VSEPR model assumes that electron pairs in the valence shell of a central atom will adopt an arrangement that minimizes repulsions between these electron pairs by maximizing the distance between them. The electrons in the valence shell of a central atom form either bonding pairs of electrons, located primarily between bonded atoms, or lone pairs. The electrostatic repulsion of these electrons is reduced when the various regions of high electron density assume positions as far from each other as possible.

VSEPR theory predicts the arrangement of electron pairs around each central atom and, usually, the correct arrangement of atoms in a molecule. We should understand, however, that the theory only considers electron-pair repulsions. Other interactions, such as nuclear-nuclear repulsions and nuclear-electron attractions, are also involved in the final arrangement that atoms adopt in a particular molecular structure.

As a simple example of VSEPR theory, let us predict the structure of a gaseous BeF₂ molecule. The Lewis structure of BeF₂ ((Figure)) shows only two electron pairs around the central beryllium atom. With two bonds and no lone pairs of electrons on the central atom, the bonds are as far apart as possible, and the electrostatic repulsion between these regions of high electron density is reduced to a minimum when they are on opposite sides of the central atom. The bond angle is 180° ((Figure)).

The BeF₂ molecule adopts a linear structure in which the two bonds are as far apart as possible, on opposite sides of the Be atom.

A Lewis structure is shown. A fluorine atom with three lone pairs of electrons is single bonded to a beryllium atom which is single bonded to a fluorine atom with three lone pairs of electrons. The angle of the bonds between the two fluorine atoms and the beryllium atom is labeled, “180 degrees.”

(Figure) illustrates this and other electron-pair geometries that minimize the repulsions among regions of high electron density (bonds and/or lone pairs). Two regions of electron density around a central atom in a molecule form a linear geometry; three regions form a trigonal planar geometry; four regions form a tetrahedral geometry; five regions form a trigonal bipyramidal geometry; and six regions form an octahedral geometry.

The basic electron-pair geometries predicted by VSEPR theory maximize the space around any region of electron density (bonds or lone pairs).

Electron-pair Geometry versus Molecular Structure

It is important to note that electron-pair geometry around a central atom is not the same thing as its molecular structure. The electron-pair geometries shown in (Figure) describe all regions where electrons are located, bonds as well as lone pairs. Molecular structure describes the location of the atoms, not the electrons.

We differentiate between these two situations by naming the geometry that includes all electron pairs the electron-pair geometry. The structure that includes only the placement of the atoms in the molecule is called the molecular structure. The electron-pair geometries will be the same as the molecular structures when there are no lone electron pairs around the central atom, but they will be different when there are lone pairs present on the central atom.

For example, the methane molecule, CH₄, which is the major component of natural gas, has four bonding pairs of electrons around the central carbon atom; the electron-pair geometry is tetrahedral, as is the molecular structure ((Figure)). On the other hand, the ammonia molecule, NH₃, also has four electron pairs associated with the nitrogen atom, and thus has a tetrahedral electron-pair geometry. One of these regions, however, is a lone pair, which is not included in the molecular structure, and this lone pair influences the shape of the molecule ((Figure)).

The molecular structure of the methane molecule, CH₄, is shown with a tetrahedral arrangement of the hydrogen atoms. VSEPR structures like this one are often drawn using the wedge and dash notation, in which solid lines represent bonds in the plane of the page, solid wedges represent bonds coming up out of the plane, and dashed lines represent bonds going down into the plane.

A Lewis structure shows a carbon atom single bonded to four hydrogen atoms. This structure uses wedges and dashes to give it a three dimensional appearance.

(a) The electron-pair geometry for the ammonia molecule is tetrahedral with one lone pair and three single bonds. (b) The trigonal pyramidal molecular structure is determined from the electron-pair geometry. (c) The actual bond angles deviate slightly from the idealized angles because the lone pair takes up a larger region of space than do the single bonds, causing the HNH angle to be slightly smaller than 109.5°.

As seen in (Figure), small distortions from the ideal angles in (Figure) can result from differences in repulsion between various regions of electron density. VSEPR theory predicts these distortions by establishing an order of repulsions and an order of the amount of space occupied by different kinds of electron pairs. The order of electron-pair repulsions from greatest to least repulsion is:

$\text{lone pair-lone pair}>\text{lone pair-bonding pair}>\text{bonding pair-bonding pair}$

This order of repulsions determines the amount of space occupied by different regions of electrons. A lone pair of electrons occupies a larger region of space than the electrons in a triple bond; in turn, electrons in a triple bond occupy more space than those in a double bond, and so on. The order of sizes from largest to smallest is:

$\text{lone pair}>\text{triple bond}>\text{double bond}>\text{single bond}$

Consider formaldehyde, H₂CO, which is used as a preservative for biological and anatomical specimens ((Figure)). This molecule has regions of high electron density that consist of two single bonds and one double bond. The basic geometry is trigonal planar with 120° bond angles, but we see that the double bond causes slightly larger angles (121°), and the angle between the single bonds is slightly smaller (118°).

In the ammonia molecule, the three hydrogen atoms attached to the central nitrogen are not arranged in a flat, trigonal planar molecular structure, but rather in a three-dimensional trigonal pyramid ((Figure)) with the nitrogen atom at the apex and the three hydrogen atoms forming the base. The ideal bond angles in a trigonal pyramid are based on the tetrahedral electron pair geometry. Again, there are slight deviations from the ideal because lone pairs occupy larger regions of space than do bonding electrons. The H–N–H bond angles in NH₃ are slightly smaller than the 109.5° angle in a regular tetrahedron ((Figure)) because the lone pair-bonding pair repulsion is greater than the bonding pair-bonding pair repulsion ((Figure)). (Figure) illustrates the ideal molecular structures, which are predicted based on the electron-pair geometries for various combinations of lone pairs and bonding pairs.

The molecular structures are identical to the electron-pair geometries when there are no lone pairs present (first column). For a particular number of electron pairs (row), the molecular structures for one or more lone pairs are determined based on modifications of the corresponding electron-pair geometry.

According to VSEPR theory, the terminal atom locations (Xs in (Figure)) are equivalent within the linear, trigonal planar, and tetrahedral electron-pair geometries (the first three rows of the table). It does not matter which X is replaced with a lone pair because the molecules can be rotated to convert positions. For trigonal bipyramidal electron-pair geometries, however, there are two distinct X positions, as shown in (Figure): an axial position (if we hold a model of a trigonal bipyramid by the two axial positions, we have an axis around which we can rotate the model) and an equatorial position (three positions form an equator around the middle of the molecule). As shown in (Figure), the axial position is surrounded by bond angles of 90°, whereas the equatorial position has more space available because of the 120° bond angles. In a trigonal bipyramidal electron-pair geometry, lone pairs always occupy equatorial positions because these more spacious positions can more easily accommodate the larger lone pairs.

Theoretically, we can come up with three possible arrangements for the three bonds and two lone pairs for the ClF₃ molecule ((Figure)). The stable structure is the one that puts the lone pairs in equatorial locations, giving a T-shaped molecular structure.

(a) In a trigonal bipyramid, the two axial positions are located directly across from one another, whereas the three equatorial positions are located in a triangular arrangement. (b–d) The two lone pairs (red lines) in ClF₃ have several possible arrangements, but the T-shaped molecular structure (b) is the one actually observed, consistent with the larger lone pairs both occupying equatorial positions.

When a central atom has two lone electron pairs and four bonding regions, we have an octahedral electron-pair geometry. The two lone pairs are on opposite sides of the octahedron (180° apart), giving a square planar molecular structure that minimizes lone pair-lone pair repulsions ((Figure)).

Predicting Electron Pair Geometry and Molecular Structure

The following procedure uses VSEPR theory to determine the electron pair geometries and the molecular structures:

Write the Lewis structure of the molecule or polyatomic ion.
Count the number of regions of electron density (lone pairs and bonds) around the central atom. A single, double, or triple bond counts as one region of electron density.
Identify the electron-pair geometry based on the number of regions of electron density: linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, or octahedral ((Figure), first column).
Use the number of lone pairs to determine the molecular structure ((Figure)). If more than one arrangement of lone pairs and chemical bonds is possible, choose the one that will minimize repulsions, remembering that lone pairs occupy more space than multiple bonds, which occupy more space than single bonds. In trigonal bipyramidal arrangements, repulsion is minimized when every lone pair is in an equatorial position. In an octahedral arrangement with two lone pairs, repulsion is minimized when the lone pairs are on opposite sides of the central atom.

The following examples illustrate the use of VSEPR theory to predict the molecular structure of molecules or ions that have no lone pairs of electrons. In this case, the molecular structure is identical to the electron pair geometry.

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: CO₂ and BCl₃

Predict the electron-pair geometry and molecular structure for each of the following:

(a) carbon dioxide, CO₂, a molecule produced by the combustion of fossil fuels

(b) boron trichloride, BCl₃, an important industrial chemical

Solution

(a) We write the Lewis structure of CO₂ as:

A Lewis structure shows a carbon atom double bonded on both the left and right sides to oxygen atoms that each have two lone pairs of electrons.

This shows us two regions of high electron density around the carbon atom—each double bond counts as one region, and there are no lone pairs on the carbon atom. Using VSEPR theory, we predict that the two regions of electron density arrange themselves on opposite sides of the central atom with a bond angle of 180°. The electron-pair geometry and molecular structure are identical, and CO₂ molecules are linear.

(b) We write the Lewis structure of BCl₃ as:

A Lewis structure depicts a boron atom that is single bonded to three chlorine atoms, each of which has three lone pairs of electrons.

Thus we see that BCl₃ contains three bonds, and there are no lone pairs of electrons on boron. The arrangement of three regions of high electron density gives a trigonal planar electron-pair geometry. The B–Cl bonds lie in a plane with 120° angles between them. BCl₃ also has a trigonal planar molecular structure ((Figure)).

A Lewis structure depicts a boron atom that is single bonded to three chlorine atoms, each of which is oriented in the same flat plane. This figure uses dashes and wedges to give it a three-dimensional appearance.

The electron-pair geometry and molecular structure of BCl₃ are both trigonal planar. Note that the VSEPR geometry indicates the correct bond angles (120°), unlike the Lewis structure shown above.

Check Your Learning

Carbonate, ${\text{CO}}_{3}{}^{\text{2−}},$ 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.

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: Ammonium

Two of the top 50 chemicals produced in the United States, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate, both used as fertilizers, contain the ammonium ion. Predict the electron-pair geometry and molecular structure of the ${\text{NH}}_{4}{}^{\text{+}}$ cation.

Solution

We write the Lewis structure of ${\text{NH}}_{4}{}^{\text{+}}$ as:

A Lewis structure depicts a nitrogen atom that is single bonded to four hydrogen atoms. The structure is surrounded by brackets and has a superscripted positive sign.

We can see that ${\text{NH}}_{4}{}^{+}$ contains four bonds from the nitrogen atom to hydrogen atoms and no lone pairs. We expect the four regions of high electron density to arrange themselves so that they point to the corners of a tetrahedron with the central nitrogen atom in the middle ((Figure)). Therefore, the electron pair geometry of ${\text{NH}}_{4}{}^{\text{+}}$ is tetrahedral, and the molecular structure is also tetrahedral ((Figure)).

The ammonium ion displays a tetrahedral electron-pair geometry as well as a tetrahedral molecular structure.

A Lewis structure depicts a nitrogen atom that is single bonded to four hydrogen atoms. The structure is surrounded by brackets and has a superscripted positive sign. This figure uses dashes and wedges to displays its three planes in a tetrahedral shape.

Check Your Learning

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.

The next several examples illustrate the effect of lone pairs of electrons on molecular structure.

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: Lone Pairs on the Central Atom

Predict the electron-pair geometry and molecular structure of a water molecule.

Solution

The Lewis structure of H₂O indicates that there are four regions of high electron density around the oxygen atom: two lone pairs and two chemical bonds:

A Lewis structure depicts an oxygen atom with two lone pairs of electrons single bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

We predict that these four regions are arranged in a tetrahedral fashion ((Figure)), as indicated in (Figure). Thus, the electron-pair geometry is tetrahedral and the molecular structure is bent with an angle slightly less than 109.5°. In fact, the bond angle is 104.5°.

(a) H₂O has four regions of electron density around the central atom, so it has a tetrahedral electron-pair geometry. (b) Two of the electron regions are lone pairs, so the molecular structure is bent.

Two diagrams are shown and labeled, “a” and “b.” Diagram a shows an oxygen atom in the center of a four-sided pyramid shape. Diagram b shows the same image as diagram a, but this time there are hydrogen atoms located at two corners of the pyramid shape.

Check Your Learning

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.

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: SF₄

Sulfur tetrafluoride, SF₄, is extremely valuable for the preparation of fluorine-containing compounds used as herbicides (i.e., SF₄ is used as a fluorinating agent). Predict the electron-pair geometry and molecular structure of a SF₄ molecule.

Solution

The Lewis structure of SF₄ indicates five regions of electron density around the sulfur atom: one lone pair and four bonding pairs:

A Lewis diagram depicts a sulfur atom with one lone pair of electrons single bonded to four fluorine atoms, each with three lone pairs of electrons.

We expect these five regions to adopt a trigonal bipyramidal electron-pair geometry. To minimize lone pair repulsions, the lone pair occupies one of the equatorial positions. The molecular structure ((Figure)) is that of a seesaw ((Figure)).

(a) SF4 has a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement of the five regions of electron density. (b) One of the regions is a lone pair, which results in a seesaw-shaped molecular structure.

Two diagrams are shown and labeled, “a” and “b.” Diagram a shows a sulfur atom in the center of a six-sided bi-pyramidal shape. Diagram b shows the same image as diagram a, but this time there are fluorine atoms located at four corners of the pyramid shape and they are connected to the sulfur atom by single lines.

Check Your Learning

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.

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: XeF₄

Of all the noble gases, xenon is the most reactive, frequently reacting with elements such as oxygen and fluorine. Predict the electron-pair geometry and molecular structure of the XeF₄ molecule.

Solution

The Lewis structure of XeF₄ indicates six regions of high electron density around the xenon atom: two lone pairs and four bonds:

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

These six regions adopt an octahedral arrangement ((Figure)), which is the electron-pair geometry. To minimize repulsions, the lone pairs should be on opposite sides of the central atom ((Figure)). The five atoms are all in the same plane and have a square planar molecular structure.

(a) XeF₄ adopts an octahedral arrangement with two lone pairs (red lines) and four bonds in the electron-pair geometry. (b) The molecular structure is square planar with the lone pairs directly across from one another.

Two diagrams are shown and labeled, “a” and “b.” Diagram a shows a xenon atom in the center of an eight-sided octahedral shape. Diagram b shows the same image as diagram a, but this time there are fluorine atoms located at the four corners of the shape in the horizontal plane. They are connected to the xenon by single lines.

Check Your Learning

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

Molecular Structure for Multicenter Molecules

When a molecule or polyatomic ion has only one central atom, the molecular structure completely describes the shape of the molecule. Larger molecules do not have a single central atom, but are connected by a chain of interior atoms that each possess a “local” geometry. The way these local structures are oriented with respect to each other also influences the molecular shape, but such considerations are largely beyond the scope of this introductory discussion. For our purposes, we will only focus on determining the local structures.

Predicting Structure in Multicenter Molecules

The Lewis structure for the simplest amino acid, glycine, H₂NCH₂CO₂H, is shown here. Predict the local geometry for the nitrogen atom, the two carbon atoms, and the oxygen atom with a hydrogen atom attached:

Solution

Consider each central atom independently. The electron-pair geometries:

nitrogen––four regions of electron density; tetrahedral
carbon (CH₂)––four regions of electron density; tetrahedral
carbon (CO₂)—three regions of electron density; trigonal planar
oxygen (OH)—four regions of electron density; tetrahedral

The local structures:

nitrogen––three bonds, one lone pair; trigonal pyramidal
carbon (CH₂)—four bonds, no lone pairs; tetrahedral
carbon (CO₂)—three bonds (double bond counts as one bond), no lone pairs; trigonal planar
oxygen (OH)—two bonds, two lone pairs; bent (109°)

Check Your Learning

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:

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°)

The molecular shape simulator lets you build various molecules and practice naming their electron-pair geometries and molecular structures.

Molecular Simulation

Using molecular shape simulator allows us to control whether bond angles and/or lone pairs are displayed by checking or unchecking the boxes under “Options” on the right. We can also use the “Name” checkboxes at bottom-left to display or hide the electron pair geometry (called “electron geometry” in the simulator) and/or molecular structure (called “molecular shape” in the simulator).

Build the molecule HCN in the simulator based on the following Lewis structure:

$\text{H-C}\equiv \text{N}$

Click on each bond type or lone pair at right to add that group to the central atom. Once you have the complete molecule, rotate it to examine the predicted molecular structure. What molecular structure is this?

Solution

The molecular structure is linear.

Check Your Learning

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.

Molecular Polarity and Dipole Moment

As discussed previously, polar covalent bonds connect two atoms with differing electronegativities, leaving one atom with a partial positive charge (δ+) and the other atom with a partial negative charge (δ–), as the electrons are pulled toward the more electronegative atom. This separation of charge gives rise to a bond dipole moment. The magnitude of a bond dipole moment is represented by the Greek letter mu (µ) and is given by the formula shown here, where Q is the magnitude of the partial charges (determined by the electronegativity difference) and r is the distance between the charges:

$\mu =\text{Qr}$

This bond moment can be represented as a vector, a quantity having both direction and magnitude ((Figure)). Dipole vectors are shown as arrows pointing along the bond from the less electronegative atom toward the more electronegative atom. A small plus sign is drawn on the less electronegative end to indicate the partially positive end of the bond. The length of the arrow is proportional to the magnitude of the electronegativity difference between the two atoms.

(a) There is a small difference in electronegativity between C and H, represented as a short vector. (b) The electronegativity difference between B and F is much larger, so the vector representing the bond moment is much longer.

Two images are shown and labeled, “a” and “b.” Image a shows a large sphere labeled, “C,” a left-facing arrow with a crossed end, and a smaller sphere labeled “H.” Image b shows a large sphere labeled, “B,” a right-facing arrow with a crossed end, and a smaller sphere labeled “F.”

A whole molecule may also have a separation of charge, depending on its molecular structure and the polarity of each of its bonds. If such a charge separation exists, the molecule is said to be a polar molecule (or dipole); otherwise the molecule is said to be nonpolar. The dipole moment measures the extent of net charge separation in the molecule as a whole. We determine the dipole moment by adding the bond moments in three-dimensional space, taking into account the molecular structure.

For diatomic molecules, there is only one bond, so its bond dipole moment determines the molecular polarity. Homonuclear diatomic molecules such as Br₂ and N₂ have no difference in electronegativity, so their dipole moment is zero. For heteronuclear molecules such as CO, there is a small dipole moment. For HF, there is a larger dipole moment because there is a larger difference in electronegativity.

When a molecule contains more than one bond, the geometry must be taken into account. If the bonds in a molecule are arranged such that their bond moments cancel (vector sum equals zero), then the molecule is nonpolar. This is the situation in CO₂ ((Figure)). Each of the bonds is polar, but the molecule as a whole is nonpolar. From the Lewis structure, and using VSEPR theory, we determine that the CO₂ molecule is linear with polar C=O bonds on opposite sides of the carbon atom. The bond moments cancel because they are pointed in opposite directions. In the case of the water molecule ((Figure)), the Lewis structure again shows that there are two bonds to a central atom, and the electronegativity difference again shows that each of these bonds has a nonzero bond moment. In this case, however, the molecular structure is bent because of the lone pairs on O, and the two bond moments do not cancel. Therefore, water does have a net dipole moment and is a polar molecule (dipole).

The overall dipole moment of a molecule depends on the individual bond dipole moments and how they are arranged. (a) Each CO bond has a bond dipole moment, but they point in opposite directions so that the net CO₂ molecule is nonpolar. (b) In contrast, water is polar because the OH bond moments do not cancel out.

The OCS molecule has a structure similar to CO₂, but a sulfur atom has replaced one of the oxygen atoms. To determine if this molecule is polar, we draw the molecular structure. VSEPR theory predicts a linear molecule:

The C-O bond is considerably polar. Although C and S have very similar electronegativity values, S is slightly more electronegative than C, and so the C-S bond is just slightly polar. Because oxygen is more electronegative than sulfur, the oxygen end of the molecule is the negative end.

Chloromethane, CH₃Cl, is a tetrahedral molecule with three slightly polar C-H bonds and a more polar C-Cl bond. The relative electronegativities of the bonded atoms is H < C < Cl, and so the bond moments all point toward the Cl end of the molecule and sum to yield a considerable dipole moment (the molecules are relatively polar).

An image shows a carbon atom single bonded to three hydrogen atoms and a chlorine atom. There are arrows with crossed ends pointing from the hydrogen to the carbon near each bond, and one pointing from the carbon to the chlorine along that bond. The carbon and chlorine arrow is longer. This image uses dashes and wedges to give it a three-dimensional appearance.

For molecules of high symmetry such as BF₃ (trigonal planar), CH₄ (tetrahedral), PF₅ (trigonal bipymidal), and SF₆ (octahedral), all the bonds are of identical polarity (same bond moment) and they are oriented in geometries that yield nonpolar molecules (dipole moment is zero). Molecules of less geometric symmetry, however, may be polar even when all bond moments are identical. For these molecules, the directions of the equal bond moments are such that they sum to give a nonzero dipole moment and a polar molecule. Examples of such molecules include hydrogen sulfide, H₂S (nonlinear), and ammonia, NH₃ (trigonal pyramidal).

To summarize, to be polar, a molecule must:

Contain at least one polar covalent bond.
Have a molecular structure such that the sum of the vectors of each bond dipole moment does not cancel.

Properties of Polar Molecules

Polar molecules tend to align when placed in an electric field with the positive end of the molecule oriented toward the negative plate and the negative end toward the positive plate ((Figure)). We can use an electrically charged object to attract polar molecules, but nonpolar molecules are not attracted. Also, polar solvents are better at dissolving polar substances, and nonpolar solvents are better at dissolving nonpolar substances.

(a) Molecules are always randomly distributed in the liquid state in the absence of an electric field. (b) When an electric field is applied, polar molecules like HF will align to the dipoles with the field direction.

The molecule polarity simulation provides many ways to explore dipole moments of bonds and molecules.

Polarity Simulations Open the molecule polarity simulation and select the “Three Atoms” tab at the top. This should display a molecule ABC with three electronegativity adjustors. You can display or hide the bond moments, molecular dipoles, and partial charges at the right. Turning on the Electric Field will show whether the molecule moves when exposed to a field, similar to (Figure).

Use the electronegativity controls to determine how the molecular dipole will look for the starting bent molecule if:

(a) A and C are very electronegative and B is in the middle of the range.

(b) A is very electronegative, and B and C are not.

Solution (a) Molecular dipole moment points immediately between A and C.

(b) Molecular dipole moment points along the A–B bond, toward A.

Check Your Learning 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.

Key Concepts and Summary

VSEPR theory predicts the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. It states that valence electrons will assume an electron-pair geometry that minimizes repulsions between areas of high electron density (bonds and/or lone pairs). Molecular structure, which refers only to the placement of atoms in a molecule and not the electrons, is equivalent to electron-pair geometry only when there are no lone electron pairs around the central atom. A dipole moment measures a separation of charge. For one bond, the bond dipole moment is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms. For a molecule, the overall dipole moment is determined by both the individual bond moments and how these dipoles are arranged in the molecular structure. Polar molecules (those with an appreciable dipole moment) interact with electric fields, whereas nonpolar molecules do not.

Chemistry End of Chapter Exercises

Instructions

Complete the following exercises by providing answers to each question. There are a total of 32 questions in this section. Please be aware that certain questions may contain subsections

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

Answer(s): 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.

2. What feature of a Lewis structure can be used to tell if a molecule’s (or ion’s) electron-pair geometry and molecular structure will be identical?

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

Answer(s): 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. Why is the H–N–H angle in NH₃ smaller than the H–C–H bond angle in CH₄? Why is the H–N–H angle in ${\text{NH}}_{4}{}^{+}$ identical to the H–C–H bond angle in CH₄?

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

Answer(s): 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.

6. As a general rule, MX_n molecules (where M represents a central atom and X represents terminal atoms; n = 2 – 5) are polar if there is one or more lone pairs of electrons on M. NH₃ (M = N, X = H, n = 3) is an example. There are two molecular structures with lone pairs that are exceptions to this rule. What are they?

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

(a) SF₆

(b) PCl₅

(c) BeH₂

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

Answer(s): (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.

8. Identify the electron pair geometry and the molecular structure of each of the following molecules or ions:

(a) ${\text{IF}}_{6}{}^{+}$

(b) CF₄

(c) BF₃

(d) ${\text{SiF}}_{5}{}^{\text{−}}$

(e) BeCl₂

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

(a) ClF₅

(b) ClO₂^–

(c) TeCl₄^2-

(d) PCl₃

(e) SeF₄

(f) PH₂^–

Answer(s): (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°)

10. Predict the electron pair geometry and the molecular structure of each of the following ions:

(a) H₃O⁺

(b) ${\text{PCl}}_{4}{}^{\text{−}}$

(c) ${\text{SnCl}}_{3}{}^{\text{−}}$

(d) ${\text{BrCl}}_{4}{}^{\text{−}}$

(e) ICl₃

(f) XeF₄

(g) SF₂

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

(a) ClNO (N is the central atom)

(b) CS₂

(c) Cl₂CO (C is the central atom)

(d) Cl₂SO (S is the central atom)

(e) SO₂F₂ (S is the central atom)

(f) XeO₂F₂ (Xe is the central atom)

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

Answer(s): (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

12. Predict the electron pair geometry and the molecular structure of each of the following:

(a) IOF₅ (I is the central atom)

(b) POCl₃ (P is the central atom)

(c) Cl₂SeO (Se is the central atom)

(d) ClSO⁺ (S is the central atom)

(e) F₂SO (S is the central atom)

(f) ${\text{NO}}_{2}{}^{\text{−}}$

(g) ${\text{SiO}}_{4}{}^{\text{4−}}$

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

(a) ClF₅

(b) ClO₂^–

(c) TeCl₄^2-

(d) PCl₃

(e) SeF₄

(f) PH₂^–

(g) XeF₂

Answer(s): All of these molecules and ions contain polar bonds. Only ClF₅, ${\text{ClO}}_{2}{}^{\text{−}},$ PCl₃, SeF₄, and ${\text{PH}}_{2}{}^{\text{−}}$ have dipole moments.

14. Which of these molecules and ions contain polar bonds? Which of these molecules and ions have dipole moments?

(a) H₃O⁺

(b) ${\text{PCl}}_{4}{}^{\text{−}}$

(c) ${\text{SnCl}}_{3}{}^{\text{−}}$

(d) ${\text{BrCl}}_{4}{}^{\text{−}}$

(e) ICl₃

(f) XeF₄

(g) SF₂

15. Which of the following molecules have dipole moments?

(a) CS₂

(b) SeS₂

(c) CCl₂F₂

(d) PCl₃ (P is the central atom)

(e) ClNO (N is the central atom)

Answer(s): SeS₂, CCl₂F₂, PCl₃, and ClNO all have dipole moments.

16. Identify the molecules with a dipole moment:

(a) SF₄

(b) CF₄

(c) Cl₂CCBr₂

(d) CH₃Cl

(e) H₂CO

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

Answer(s): P

18. The molecule XCl₂ has a dipole moment. Is X beryllium or sulfur?

19. Is the Cl₂BBCl₂ molecule polar or nonpolar?

Answer(s): nonpolar

20. There are three possible structures for PCl₂F₃ with phosphorus as the central atom. Draw them and discuss how measurements of dipole moments could help distinguish among them.

21. 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]

(c) the oxygen atom in hydrogen peroxide, HOOH

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

22. Draw the Lewis structures and predict the shape of each compound or ion:

(a) CO₂

(b) ${\text{NO}}_{2}{}^{\text{−}}$

(c) SO₃

(d) ${\text{SO}}_{3}{}^{\text{2−}}$

23. 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(s):

24. A molecule with the formula AB₃, 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 that has each shape.

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

(a) CS₃^2-

(b) CS₂

(c) CS

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

Answer(s):

(a)

(b)

The Lewis structure shows a carbon atom double bonded to two sulfur atoms, each of which has two lone pairs of electrons.

(c)

This diagram shows a carbon with one lone electron pair triple bonded to a sulfur with one lone electron pair.

(d) ${\text{CS}}_{3}{}^{\text{2−}}$ 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

26. What is the molecular structure of the stable form of FNO₂? (N is the central atom.)

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

28. 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.

Use the simulation to perform the following exercises for a two-atom molecule:

(a) Adjust the electronegativity value so the bond dipole is pointing toward B. Then determine what the electronegativity values must be to switch the dipole so that it points toward A.

(b) With a partial positive charge on A, turn on the electric field and describe what happens.

(c) With a small partial negative charge on A, turn on the electric field and describe what happens.

(d) Reset all, and then with a large partial negative charge on A, turn on the electric field and describe what happens.

29. 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(s): The molecular dipole points away from the hydrogen atoms.

30. Use the Molecule Shape simulator to build a molecule. Starting with the central atom, click on the double bond to add one double bond. Then add one single bond and one lone pair. Rotate the molecule to observe the complete geometry. Name the electron group geometry and molecular structure and predict the bond angle. Then click the check boxes at the bottom and right of the simulator to check your answers.

31. 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(s): 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°.

32. Use the Molecule Shape simulator to explore real molecules. On the Real Molecules tab, select “model” mode and S₂O. What is the model bond angle? Explain whether the “real” bond angle should be larger or smaller than the ideal model angle.

Glossary

axial position: location in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry in which there is another atom at a 180° angle and the equatorial positions are at a 90° angle

bond angle: angle between any two covalent bonds that share a common atom

bond distance: (also, bond length) distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms

bond dipole moment: separation of charge in a bond that depends on the difference in electronegativity and the bond distance represented by partial charges or a vector

dipole moment: property of a molecule that describes the separation of charge determined by the sum of the individual bond moments based on the molecular structure

electron-pair geometry: arrangement around a central atom of all regions of electron density (bonds, lone pairs, or unpaired electrons)

equatorial position: one of the three positions in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry with 120° angles between them; the axial positions are located at a 90° angle

linear: shape in which two outside groups are placed on opposite sides of a central atom

molecular structure: structure that includes only the placement of the atoms in the molecule

octahedral: shape in which six outside groups are placed around a central atom such that a three-dimensional shape is generated with four groups forming a square and the other two forming the apex of two pyramids, one above and one below the square plane

polar molecule: (also, dipole) molecule with an overall dipole moment

tetrahedral: shape in which four outside groups are placed around a central atom such that a three-dimensional shape is generated with four corners and 109.5° angles between each pair and the central atom

trigonal bipyramidal: shape in which five outside groups are placed around a central atom such that three form a flat triangle with 120° angles between each pair and the central atom, and the other two form the apex of two pyramids, one above and one below the triangular plane

trigonal planar: shape in which three outside groups are placed in a flat triangle around a central atom with 120° angles between each pair and the central atom

valence shell electron-pair repulsion theory (VSEPR): theory used to predict the bond angles in a molecule based on positioning regions of high electron density as far apart as possible to minimize electrostatic repulsion

vector: quantity having magnitude and direction

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

VSEPR Theory

Electron-pair Geometry versus Molecular Structure

Predicting Electron Pair Geometry and Molecular Structure

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: CO2 and BCl3

Check Your Learning

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: Ammonium

Check Your Learning

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: Lone Pairs on the Central Atom

Check Your Learning

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: SF4

Check Your Learning

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: XeF4

Check Your Learning

Molecular Structure for Multicenter Molecules

Predicting Structure in Multicenter Molecules

Check Your Learning

Molecular Simulation

Check Your Learning

Molecular Polarity and Dipole Moment

Properties of Polar Molecules

Instructions

Glossary

License

Share This Book

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: CO₂ and BCl₃

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: SF₄

Predicting Electron-pair Geometry and Molecular Structure: XeF₄