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Electron Density of \(\sigma\) and \(\pi\) Bonds

  • Page ID
    32845
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    hybrid orbitals for the sigma bonds.
    H
     \
       C = O;  but a p orbital is used for the pi bond between C and O.
     /
    H
    
    • What hybrid atomic orbitals are used for the \(\ce{C}\) in \(\ce{CCl4}\)?

      Hint: The sp4 hybrid orbitals of \(\ce{C}\) are involved.

      Discussion -
      The sp3 hybrid AO's have points towards the vertices of a tetrahedron.

    • What is the value of the bond angles around the \(\ce{C}\) atom in \(\ce{CH3OH}\)?

      Hint: The bond angle is 109.5 degrees.

      Discussion -
      The tetrahedral arrangement of the bonds around \(\ce{C}\) in methanol gives an average bond angle of 109.5°.

    • Hint: The bond order is 1.5 in benzene.

      Discussion -
      Three double bonds spread over 6 \(\ce{C-C}\) bonds. Thus, the bond order is 1.5.

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