Question

How do I find the bond angle and molecule structure shape of molecules?
@surry99

Answer 1

@surry99

Answer 2

It is based on VSEPR theory.
Basically to minimize repulsion electron pairs (both bonding and nonbonding) like to be as far apart as possible.
So if I have one central element and two outer elements , the way to make the angles as far apart as possible is to have the elements in a straight line (linear). Then the bond angle is 180 degrees.
For the 3 elements surrounding a central element, the angle would be 120 degrees.
For four elements surrounding a central element the bond angle are 109 degrees.
There are some other subtleties to consider but this is the general idea....
I will be back in a few hours to help...send specific molecules to draw and we can work through them

Answer 3

Thank you!

Answer 4

Remember how we did sulfur hexachloride? What's the bond angle for that?

Answer 5

no problem, send some specific molecules and I can go through it with you later

Answer 6

okay

Answer 7

The four chlorines in the plane are 90 degrees apart ...these are called the equatorial positions. The two at the top and bottom are 180 degrees apart...these are called the axial positions.

Answer 8

But I thought there were six chlorine atoms, not 4...?

Answer 9

There are six...four in the equatorial position and two in the axial position.
The four in the equatorial position are 90 degrees apart, the two in the axial are 180 degrees apart.

Answer 10

Oh, I see now...like this?