Chapter 11
Chemical Bonds
The Formation of Compounds from Atoms

Octet rule

Electronic configurations for ions resemble those for noble gas elements. That is, they have 8 valence electrons. The octet rule also applies for covalent compounds. Shared electrons are usually present in groups of eight around each atom.

Valence electrons and Lewis Structures

IONIC COMPOUNDS

COVALENT COMPOUNDS

Rules for drawing Lewis Dot Structures:

  1. Sum valence electrons from all atoms in the molecule. Add one for each negative charge, subtract one for each positive charge.
  2. Draw a trial structure.
  3. Count electrons in trial structure. Should equal the number of valence electrons.
  4. Check octet rule again.
  5. Check number of electrons again.

Additional general rules:

Polyatomic Ions

Rules for Determining Molecular Shapes

  1. Draw Lewis Structure
  2. Count the electron groups on the central atom. (Note: One electron group = 1 lone pair, 1 single bond, 1 double bond, 1 triple bond.)
  3. Determine the electron group geometry that minimizes the electron pair repulsions.
    # of Electron GroupsGeometry of Electron Groups
    2Linear
    3Trigonal planar
    4Tetrahedral
    (5)(Trigonal bipyramidal)
    (6)(Octahedral)
  4. Place the non-bonding (lone) pairs as far apart from each other as possible.
  5. The molecular geometry is the arrangement of the atoms in space. Different from electron group geometry. The electron pairs take up space, but are not included when describing the shape of the molecule.)
  6. Molecular Geometry names: linear, bent, trigonal planar, trigonal pyramid, tetrahedron, (trigonal bipyramid), (T-shaped), (see-saw), (octahedral), (square pyramid), (square planar).

Electronegativity. Polar and nonpolar bonds. Polar and nonpolar molecules.


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