Bent

Definition

The term 'bent' refers to the angular shape or geometry of a molecule, particularly in the context of Lewis symbols and structures, as well as hybrid atomic orbitals. It describes the non-linear arrangement of atoms within a molecule, which is a crucial aspect of understanding molecular structure and bonding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bent molecular geometry is a result of the arrangement of bonding and lone electron pairs around a central atom, as described by the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory.
2. Molecules with a bent geometry typically have a bond angle of less than 180 degrees, with the exact angle depending on the number of bonding and lone electron pairs.
3. The bent geometry is commonly observed in molecules with a central atom that has two bonding pairs and two lone electron pairs, such as water (H$_{2}$O) and sulfur dioxide (SO$_{2}$).
4. The bent geometry is also observed in molecules with a central atom that has three bonding pairs and one lone electron pair, such as boron trifluoride (BF$_{3}$).
5. The bent geometry is an important consideration in understanding the reactivity and properties of molecules, as it can influence factors such as polarity, bond angles, and the overall shape of the molecule.

Review Questions

• Explain how the bent molecular geometry is determined using the VSEPR theory.
  • According to the VSEPR theory, the bent molecular geometry arises from the arrangement of bonding and lone electron pairs around a central atom. The electron pairs, which occupy space around the central atom, repel each other and adopt a configuration that minimizes this repulsion. In the case of a bent molecule, the central atom has two bonding pairs and two lone electron pairs, resulting in a bond angle of less than 180 degrees. The specific angle depends on the relative repulsion between the bonding and lone electron pairs, with the lone pairs exerting a stronger repulsion and causing the bond angle to be less than the ideal 109.5 degrees for a tetrahedral arrangement.
• Analyze the relationship between the bent geometry and the polarity of a molecule.
  • The bent geometry of a molecule is closely related to its polarity. When a molecule has a bent shape, the distribution of electrons is uneven, leading to the formation of a dipole moment. The presence of a dipole moment means that the molecule has a slightly positive charge on one side and a slightly negative charge on the other side, making it a polar molecule. This polarity can have significant implications for the molecule's physical and chemical properties, such as its ability to participate in hydrogen bonding, its solubility in polar and non-polar solvents, and its interactions with other molecules.
• Evaluate the role of bent geometry in the hybridization of atomic orbitals and the formation of covalent bonds.
  • The bent geometry of a molecule is directly related to the hybridization of the central atom's atomic orbitals. In a bent molecule, the central atom typically exhibits $sp^{3}$ hybridization, where one $s$ orbital and three $p$ orbitals combine to form four equivalent, tetrahedral-shaped hybrid orbitals. However, due to the presence of two lone electron pairs, the bond angles between the bonding pairs are less than the ideal tetrahedral angle of 109.5 degrees, resulting in the bent geometry. This hybridization and the resulting bent shape are crucial for the formation of stable covalent bonds, as the hybrid orbitals allow for the efficient overlap and sharing of electrons between the central atom and the bonded atoms, leading to the overall stability of the molecule.

Related terms

Linear: A molecular geometry in which atoms are arranged in a straight line, with bond angles of 180 degrees.

Trigonal Planar: A molecular geometry in which three atoms are arranged in a flat, triangular shape, with bond angles of approximately 120 degrees.

Tetrahedral: A molecular geometry in which four atoms are arranged in a three-dimensional, pyramid-like shape, with bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees.