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Predict the molecular shape of methane, the carbonate ion, carbon dioxide, and the sulfite ion.
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♦ Relevant knowledge
The molecular shapes define the arrangement, or the geometry of atoms in the molecule.The molecular shape is determined by the bonding electron pair and isolated electron pairs around an atom’s central.A bent shape has two bonding pairs and two electron pairs that are the only ones, while the linear shape has between 1 to 2 bonding pairs and 0 electron pairs with lone electrons.Trigonal Planar has 3 bonding pair and 0 single pairs, while trigonal pyramidal is composed of three bonding pairs, and one Lone pair. Tetrahedrals have 4 bonding pairs and zero electron pairs that are lone.
This problem is based upon the concept of chemical bonds.
VBT and VSEPR only deal with sigma bonds, valence electrons. In order to determine the molecular shape, there is no need for pi-bond.
VBT (valence-bond theory) and VSEPR(valence shell electron pair repel theory) are theories that help to determine the geometry, shape and hybridization of particular compounds based on various factors such as valence electrons, valence bonds, and lone pairs.
Methane:
Methane is handled by [katex]\left( {{\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{4}}}} \right)[/katex].
Below is the molecular structure of methane
Carbonate ion:
Carbonate [katex]\left( {{\rm{C}}{{\rm{O}}_3}^{ – 2}} \right)[/katex]
Below is the molecular structure of carbonate:
Carbon dioxide:
For carbon dioxide [katex]\left( {{\rm{C}}{{\rm{O}}_2}} \right)[/katex]
Below is the molecular structure of carbon dioxide.
Sulfite Ion:
Sulfite in case [katex]\left( {{\rm{S}}{{\rm{O}}_3}^{ – 2}} \right)[/katex]
Below is the molecular structure of sulfite:
Tetrahedral is the molecular structure of methane molecules.