Chapter 1, Problem 57P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The structure with bond angle closest to $120°$ should be chosen.

Concept introduction:In accordance with VSEPR model, if four bonds are present around the central atom then hybridization associated is ${\text{sp}}^3$ and theses four orbitals tend to stay as far as $109.5°$ from one another so as to have minimum repulsions.

Similarly, if three bonds are present around the central atom then hybridization associated is ${\text{sp}}^{\text{2}}$ and theses orbitals tend to stay as far as $120°$ from one another so as to have minimum repulsions.

The table that relates the hybridization with bond angles is as follows:

  $\begin{array}{cc}\text{Type of Hybridisation}& \text{Bond angle}\\ \text{sp}& 180°\\ {\text{sp}}^2& 120°\\ {\text{sp}}^3& 109.5°\\ {\text{sp}}^3\text{d}& 90°\text{,120 }°,180°\\ {\text{sp}}^3{\text{d}}^2& 90°\text{,}180°\end{array}$