Problem 14 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

(a) How does one determine the number of electron domains in a molecule or ion? (b) What is the difference between a bonding electron domain and a nonbonding electron domain?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

To determine the number of electron domains in a molecule or ion, draw its Lewis structure and count the bonding electron domains (single, double, or triple bonds) and nonbonding electron domains (lone pairs) around the central atom. The total number of electron domains helps predict the molecular geometry using the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory. Bonding electron domains are associated with chemical bonds (single, double, or triple) between atoms and involve electron pairs holding the atoms together. Nonbonding electron domains correspond to lone pairs of electrons that are not involved in bonding. Both types of electron domains influence the molecular geometry in the VSEPR model.

Step 1: Answer to the question (a) - Determining the number of electron domains in a molecule or ion

To determine the number of electron domains in a molecule or ion, follow these steps: 1. Draw the Lewis structure of the molecule or ion. 2. Count the number of bonding electron domains (single, double, or triple bonds) around the central atom. 3. Count the number of nonbonding electron domains, which are lone pairs, around the central atom. 4. Add the number of bonding electron domains and nonbonding electron domains together to find the total number of electron domains in the molecule or ion. The total number of electron domains helps in predicting the molecular geometry using the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory.

Step 2: Answer to the question (b) - Difference between a bonding electron domain and a nonbonding electron domain

Bonding electron domain and nonbonding electron domain are two types of electron domains present around the central atom in a molecule or ion: 1. Bonding electron domain: These are electron domains associated with chemical bonds (single, double, or triple) formed between two atoms. They are occupied by bonding electron pairs, which are involved in holding the atoms together in a molecule or ion. In the context of VSEPR theory, each type of bond (single, double, or triple) counts as one electron domain regardless of the number of shared electrons. 2. Nonbonding electron domain: These are electron domains associated with lone pairs of electrons that are not involved in forming chemical bonds. These electron pairs exist around the central atom and are not shared with other atoms. In the context of VSEPR theory, each lone pair of electrons represents one nonbonding electron domain. The main difference between the two is that bonding electron domains involve electrons shared between atoms to form chemical bonds, whereas nonbonding electron domains correspond to lone pairs of electrons that are not involved in bonding. Both types of electron domains contribute to the overall electron domain geometry and influence the molecular geometry in the VSEPR model.