Chapter 1.11, Problem 32ATS

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The direction of the net molecular dipole moment in diphenyl ether has to be indicated.

Concept Introduction:

The steric number is the combination of both number of $\sigma$-bonds and number of lone pairs involved in a particular molecule.

• If the steric number is 4, the central atom has sp³ hybridized and the electronic arrangement of atoms in space (i.e. geometry) will be tetrahedral.
• If the steric number is 3, the central atom has sp² hybridized and the electronic arrangement of atoms in space (i.e. geometry) will be trigonal planar.
• If the steric number is 2, the central atom has sp hybridized and the electronic arrangement of atoms in space (i.e. geometry) will be linear.

The dipole moment is produced by two equal but opposite charges separated by a distance.