Chemical Bonding I Basic Concepts

Computer-generated electrostatic potential maps of methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (CH3CH2OH). The surface encompassing each molecule shows the extent of electron charge density while the colors show the distribution of charge in the molecule. In this chapter, we study ideas that enable us to predict the geometric shapes and polarity of molecules. 

Consider all that we already know about chemical compounds. We can determine their compositions and write their formulas. We can represent the reactions of compounds by chemical equations and perform sfoichiomefric and fhermochemical calculations based on these equations. And we can do all this without really having to consider the ultimate structure of matter—the structure of afoms and molecules. Yet the shape of a molecule—fhaf is, fhe arrangemenf of ifs afoms in space and fheir connecfivifies to one another—often defines ifs chem-isfry. If wafer had a differenf shape, ifs properties would be significanfly different, and life as we know if would nof be possible. 

In this chapter, we will describe the interactions between atoms called chemical bonds. Most of the discussion centers on the Lewis theory, which provides one of the simplest methods of representing chemical bonding. We will also explore another relatively simple theory, one for predicting probable molecular shapes. Throughout the chapter, we will try to relate 

1 Distinguish between a Lewis symbol and a Lewis structure. 

2 Describe the use of the octet rule for writing a Lewis structure. 

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CHEMICAL BONDING I BASIC CONCEPTS PRACTICE EXAMPLES... 

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