Question

Following the steps to determine the molecular geometry of a covalent compound starting from the Lewis structure provided. Begin with step 1 of the process.

Answer 1

The steps to determine the molecular geometry of a covalent compound starting from the Lewis structure include determining the Lewis structure, determining the number of regions of electron density, and assigning the set of hybridized orbitals.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Determine the Lewis structure of the molecule.
2. Determine the number of regions of electron density around an atom using VSEPR theory, in which single bonds, multiple bonds, radicals, and lone pairs each count as one region.
3. Assign the set of hybridized orbitals from Figure 8.21 that corresponds to this geometry.

Example:

Let's take the example of the molecule CH4 (methane). The Lewis structure of CH4 has one C atom in the center and four H atoms surrounding it. The C atom has four regions of electron density (four single bonds), indicating that the geometry is tetrahedral. According to VSEPR theory, the hybridization of the C atom in CH4 is sp3.