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3: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry

  • Page ID
    574021
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    • 3.1: Introduction
      It has long been known that pure carbon occurs in different forms (allotropes) including graphite and diamonds. But it was not until 1985 that a new form of carbon was recognized: buckminsterfullerene. This molecule was named after the architect and inventor R. Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983), whose signature architectural design was the geodesic dome, characterized by a lattice shell structure supporting a spherical surface. Experimental evidence revealed the formula, C60...
    • 3.2: Ionic Bonding
      Atoms gain or lose electrons to form ions with particularly stable electron configurations. The charges of cations formed by the representative metals may be determined readily because, with few exceptions, the electronic structures of these ions have either a noble gas configuration or a completely filled electron shell. The charges of anions formed by the nonmetals may also be readily determined because these ions form when nonmetal atoms gain enough electrons to fill their valence shells.
    • 3.3: Covalent Bonding
      Covalent bonds form when electrons are shared between atoms and are attracted by the nuclei of both atoms. In pure covalent bonds, the electrons are shared equally. In polar covalent bonds, the electrons are shared unequally, as one atom exerts a stronger force of attraction on the electrons than the other. The ability of an atom to attract a pair of electrons in a chemical bond is called its electronegativity.
    • 3.4: Chemical Nomenclature
      This page explores the systematic nomenclature of inorganic compounds, focusing on ionic and molecular types using IUPAC rules. It details naming for binary compounds, polyatomic ions, and metals with variable charges, including ionic hydrates. Key examples highlight the naming of ionic compounds and real-world applications, such as chromium contamination. The page also addresses naming conventions for molecular compounds and oxyacids, emphasizing exceptions.
    • 3.5: Lewis Symbols and Structures
      This page provides an overview of Lewis symbols and structures, crucial for understanding valence electrons and chemical bonds. It details how to construct Lewis structures, focusing on selecting central atoms based on electronegativity and drawing single to triple bonds while adhering to the octet rule. The page further explains exceptions, such as electron-deficient and hypervalent molecules, highlighting their unique characteristics and bonding.
    • 3.6: Introduction to Formal Charges and Resonance
      In a Lewis structure, formal charges can be assigned to each atom by treating each bond as if one-half of the electrons are assigned to each atom. These hypothetical formal charges are a guide to determining the most appropriate Lewis structure. A structure in which the formal charges are as close to zero as possible is preferred. Resonance occurs in cases where two or more Lewis structures with identical arrangements of atoms but different distributions of electrons can be written.
    • 3.7: Molecular Structure and Polarity
      This page covers the application of Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory to predict molecular structures and geometries, emphasizing the distinction between electron-pair geometry and molecular structure. It illustrates how lone pairs influence shapes and bond angles in various compounds like BeF2, NH3, and H2O. The text also discusses molecular symmetry, polarity, and dipole moments, noting how bond arrangements determine polarity.
    • 3.8: Key Terms
    • 3.9: Key Equations
    • 3.10: Summary
    • 3.11: Exercises


    This page titled 3: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry was last modified on Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:54:12 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Brooke Johnson.

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