4.3 Bond Parameters c = 99 pm 1984.3.1 Bond Length r pmBond length is defined as the equilibrium distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms in a molecule. Bond lengths are measured by spectroscopic, X-ray diffraction and electron-diffraction techniques about which you will learn in higher classes. Each atom of the bonded pair contributes to the rvdw= bond length (Fig. 4.1). In the case of a covalent 180 bond, the contribution from each atom is pm called the covalent radius of that atom. pm 360 The covalent radius is measured approximately as the radius of an atom’s Fig. 4.2 Covalent and van der Waals radii incore which is in contact with the core of an a chlorine molecule. The inner circles adjacent atom in a bonded situation. The correspond to the size of the chlorine covalent radius is half of the distance between atom (rvdw and rc are van der Waals and two similar atoms joined by a covalent bond covalent radii respectively). Reprint 2025-26 108 chemistry Some typical average bond lengths for Table 4.2 Average Bond Lengths for Some single, double and triple bonds are shown in Single, Double and Triple Bonds Table 4.2. Bond lengths for some common Covalent Bondmolecules are given in Table 4.3. Bond Type Length (pm) The covalent radii of some common O–H 96elements are listed in Table 4.4. C–H 107 4.3.2 Bond Angle N–O 136 C–O 143It is defined as the angle between the orbitals C–N 143 containing bonding electron pairs around the C–C 154 central atom in a molecule/complex ion. Bond C=O 121 angle is expressed in degree which can be N=O 122 experimentally determined by spectroscopic C=C 133 methods. It gives some idea regarding the C=N 138 distribution of orbitals around the central C≡N 116 atom in a molecule/complex ion and hence it C≡C 120 helps us in determining its shape. For Table 4.3 Bond Lengths in Some Commonexample H–O–H bond angle in water can be Moleculesrepresented as under : Molecule Bond Length (pm) H2 (H – H) 74 F2 (F – F) 144 4.3.3 Bond Enthalpy Cl2 (Cl – Cl) 199 It is defined as the amount of energy required Br2 (Br – Br) 228 to break one mole of bonds of a particular I2 (I – I) 267 type between two atoms in a gaseous state. N2 (N ≡ N) 109 The unit of bond enthalpy is kJ mol–1. For O2 (O = O) 121 example, the H – H bond enthalpy in hydrogen HF (H – F) 92 molecule is 435.8 kJ mol–1. HCl (H – Cl) 127 HBr (H – Br) 141H2(g) → H(g) + H(g); ∆aH = 435.8 kJ mol–1 HI (H – I) 160 Similarly the bond enthalpy for molecules Table 4.4 Covalent Radii, *rcov/(pm)containing multiple bonds, for example O2 and N2 will be as under : O2 (O = O) (g) → O(g) + O(g); ∆aH = 498 kJ mol–1 N2 (N ≡ N) (g) → N(g) + N(g); ∆aH = 946.0 kJ mol–1 It is important that larger the bond dissociation enthalpy, stronger will be the bond in the molecule. For a heteronuclear diatomic molecules like HCl, we have HCl (g) → H(g) + Cl (g); ∆aH = 431.0 kJ mol–1 In case of polyatomic molecules, the measurement of bond strength is more complicated. For example in case of H2O * The values cited are for single bonds, except where molecule, the enthalpy needed to break the otherwise indicated in parenthesis. (See also Unit 3 for two O – H bonds is not the same. periodic trends). Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 109 H2O(g) → H(g) + OH(g); ∆aH1 = 502 kJ mol–1 OH(g) → H(g) + O(g); ∆aH2 = 427 kJ mol–1 The difference in the ∆aH value shows that the second O – H bond undergoes some change because of changed chemical environment. This is the reason for some difference in energy of the same O – H bond in different molecules like C2H5OH (ethanol) and water. Therefore in polyatomic molecules the term mean or average bond enthalpy is used. It is obtained by dividing total bond dissociation enthalpy by the number of bonds broken as explained below in case of water molecule, 502 + 427 Fig. 4.3 Resonance in the O3 molecule Average bond enthalpy = 2 (structures I and II represent the two canonical = 464.5 kJ mol–1 forms while the structure III is the resonance hybrid) 4.3.4 Bond Order In the Lewis description of covalent bond, In both structures we have a O–O single the Bond Order is given by the number bond and a O=O double bond. The normal of bonds between the two atoms in a O–O and O=O bond lengths are 148 pm molecule. The bond order, for example in and 121 pm respectively. Experimentally H2 (with a single shared electron pair), in O2 determined oxygen-oxygen bond lengths in (with two shared electron pairs) and in N2 the O3 molecule are same (128 pm). Thus the (with three shared electron pairs) is 1,2,3 oxygen-oxygen bonds in the O3 molecule are respectively. Similarly in CO (three shared intermediate between a double and a single electron pairs between C and O) the bond bond. Obviously, this cannot be represented order is 3. For N2, bond order is 3 and its by either of the two Lewis structures shown is 946 kJ mol–1; being one of the highest above. for a diatomic molecule. The concept of resonance was introduced Isoelectronic molecules and ions have to deal with the type of difficulty experienced identical bond orders; for example, F2 and in the depiction of accurate structures of O22– have bond order 1. N2, CO and NO+ have molecules like O3. According to the concept bond order 3. of resonance, whenever a single Lewis structure cannot describe a molecule A general correlation useful for accurately, a number of structures withunderstanding the stablities of molecules is that: with increase in bond order, similar energy, positions of nuclei, bonding bond enthalpy increases and bond length and non-bonding pairs of electrons are decreases. taken as the canonical structures of the hybrid which describes the molecule 4.3.5 Resonance Structures accurately. Thus for O3, the two structures It is often observed that a single Lewis structure shown above constitute the canonical is inadequate for the representation of a structures or resonance structures and molecule in conformity with its experimentally their hybrid i.e., the III structure represents determined parameters. For example, the the structure of O3 more accurately. This is ozone, O3 molecule can be equally represented also called resonance hybrid. Resonance is by the structures I and II shown below: represented by a double headed arrow. Reprint 2025-26 110 chemistry Some of the other examples of resonance structures are provided by the carbonate ion and the carbon dioxide molecule. Fig. 4.5 Resonance in CO2 molecule, I, II Problem 4.3 and III represent the three canonical Explain the structure of CO32– ion in forms. terms of resonance. Solution In general, it may be stated that The single Lewis structure based on • Resonance stabilizes the molecule as the the presence of two single bonds and energy of the resonance hybrid is less one double bond between carbon than the energy of any single cannonical and oxygen atoms is inadequate to structure; and, represent the molecule accurately as it • R e s o n a n c e a v e r a g e s t h e b o n d represents unequal bonds. According characteristics as a whole. to the experimental findings, all carbon to oxygen bonds in CO32– are equivalent. Thus the energy of the O3 resonance Therefore the carbonate ion is best hybrid is lower than either of the two described as a resonance hybrid of the cannonical froms I and II (Fig. 4.3). canonical forms I, II, and III shown below. Many misconceptions are associated with resonance and the same need to be dispelled. You should remember that : • The cannonical forms have no real existence. • The molecule does not exist for a certain fraction of time in one cannonical form and for other fractions of time in other Fig. 4.4 Resonance in CO32–, I, II and III cannonical forms. represent the three canonical • There is no such equilibrium between forms. the cannonical forms as we have Problem 4.4 between tautomeric forms (keto and enol) in tautomerism. Explain the structure of CO2 molecule. • The molecule as such has a single Solution structure which is the resonance The experimentally determined carbon hybrid of the cannonical forms and to oxygen bond length in CO 2 is which cannot as such be depicted by 115 pm. The lengths of a normal a single Lewis structure. carbon to oxygen double bond (C=O) and carbon to oxygen triple bond (C≡O) 4.3.6 Polarity of Bonds are 121 pm and 110 pm respectively. The existence of a hundred percent ionic or The carbon-oxygen bond lengths in covalent bond represents an ideal situation. CO2 (115 pm) lie between the values for C=O and C≡O. Obviously, a single In reality no bond or a compound is either Lewis structure cannot depict this completely covalent or ionic. Even in case of position and it becomes necessary to covalent bond between two hydrogen atoms, write more than one Lewis structures there is some ionic character. and to consider that the structure of When covalent bond is formed between CO2 is best described as a hybrid of two similar atoms, for example in H2, O2, the canonical or resonance forms I, II and III. Cl2, N2 or F2, the shared pair of electrons is equally attracted by the two atoms. As a result Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 111 electron pair is situated exactly between the In case of polyatomic molecules the dipole two identical nuclei. The bond so formed is moment not only depend upon the individual called nonpolar covalent bond. Contrary to dipole moments of bonds known as bond this in case of a heteronuclear molecule like dipoles but also on the spatial arrangement HF, the shared electron pair between the two of various bonds in the molecule. In such atoms gets displaced more towards fluorine case, the dipole moment of a molecule is the since the electronegativity of fluorine (Unit 3) vector sum of the dipole moments of various is far greater than that of hydrogen. The bonds. For example in H2O molecule, which resultant covalent bond is a polar covalent has a bent structure, the two O–H bonds are bond. oriented at an angle of 104.50. Net dipole As a result of polarisation, the molecule moment of 6.17 × 10–30 C m (1D = 3.33564 possesses the dipole moment (depicted × 10–30 C m) is the resultant of the dipole below) which can be defined as the product of moments of two O–H bonds. the magnitude of the charge and the distance between the centres of positive and negative charge. It is usually designated by a Greek letter ‘µ’. Mathematically, it is expressed as follows : Dipole moment (µ) = charge (Q) × distance of separation (r) Dipole moment is usually expressed in Net Dipole moment, µ = 1.85 D Debye units (D). The conversion factor is = 1.85 × 3.33564 × 10–30 C m = 6.17 ×10–30 C m 1 D = 3.33564 × 10–30 C m The dipole moment in case of BeF2 is zero.where C is coulomb and m is meter. This is because the two equal bond dipoles Further dipole moment is a vector quantity point in opposite directions and cancel the and by convention it is depicted by a small effect of each other. arrow with tail on the negative centre and head pointing towards the positive centre. But in chemistry presence of dipole moment is represented by the crossed arrow ( ) put on Lewis structure of the molecule. The In tetra-atomic molecule, for example in cross is on positive end and arrow head is on BF3, the dipole moment is zero although thenegative end. For example the dipole moment B – F bonds are oriented at an angle of 120o of HF may be represented as : to one another, the three bond moments give a net sum of zero as the resultant of any two H F is equal and opposite to the third. This arrow symbolises the direction of the shift of electron density in the molecule. Note that the direction of crossed arrow is opposite to the conventional direction of dipole moment vector. Peter Debye, the Dutch chemist received Nobel prize in 1936 for Let us study an interesting case of NH3 his work on X-ray diffraction and and NF3 molecule. Both the molecules have dipole moments. The magnitude pyramidal shape with a lone pair of electrons of the dipole moment is given in Debye units in order to honour him. on nitrogen atom. Although fluorine is more electronegative than nitrogen, the resultant Reprint 2025-26 112 chemistry dipole moment of NH3 (4.90 × 10–30 C m) is • The smaller the size of the cation and the greater than that of NF3 (0.8 × 10–30 C m). This larger the size of the anion, the greater is because, in case of NH3 the orbital dipole the covalent character of an ionic bond. due to lone pair is in the same direction as • The greater the charge on the cation, the the resultant dipole moment of the N – H greater the covalent character of the ionic bonds, whereas in NF3 the orbital dipole is in bond. the direction opposite to the resultant dipole • For cations of the same size and charge,moment of the three N–F bonds. The orbital the one, with electronic configurationdipole because of lone pair decreases the effect (n-1)dnnso, typical of transition metals, isof the resultant N – F bond moments, which more polarising than the one with a noble results in the low dipole moment of NF3 as gas configuration, ns2 np6, typical of alkalirepresented below : and alkaline earth metal cations. The cation polarises the anion, pulling the electronic charge toward itself and thereby increasing the electronic charge between the two. This is precisely what happens in a covalent bond, i.e., buildup of electron charge density between the nuclei. The polarising power of the cation, the polarisability of the anion and the extent of distortion (polarisation) of anion are the factors, which determine the per Dipole moments of some molecules are cent covalent character of the ionic bond. shown in Table 4.5. Just as all the covalent bonds have 4.4 The Valence Shell Electron some partial ionic character, the ionic Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory bonds also have partial covalent character. As already explained, Lewis concept is unable The partial covalent character of ionic to explain the shapes of molecules. This bonds was discussed by Fajans in terms of theory provides a simple procedure to predict the following rules: the shapes of covalent molecules. Sidgwick Table 4.5 Dipole Moments of Selected Molecules Dipole Type of Molecule Example Geometry Moment, µ(D) Molecule (AB) HF 1.78 linear HCl 1.07 linear HBr 0.79 linear Hl 0.38 linear H2 0 linear Molecule (AB2) H2O 1.85 bent H2S 0.95 bent CO2 0 linear Molecule (AB3) NH3 1.47 trigonal-pyramidal NF3 0.23 trigonal-pyramidal BF3 0 trigonal-planar Molecule (AB4) CH4 0 tetrahedral CHCl3 1.04 tetrahedral CCl4 0 tetrahedral Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 113 and Powell in 1940, proposed a simple theory result in deviations from idealised shapes and based on the repulsive interactions of the alterations in bond angles in molecules. electron pairs in the valence shell of the For the prediction of geometrical shapes atoms. It was further developed and redefined of molecules with the help of VSEPR theory, by Nyholm and Gillespie (1957). it is convenient to divide molecules into The main postulates of VSEPR theory are two categories as (i) molecules in which as follows: the central atom has no lone pair and • The shape of a molecule depends upon (ii) molecules in which the central atom the number of valence shell electron pairs has one or more lone pairs. (bonded or nonbonded) around the central Table 4.6 (page114) shows the atom. arrangement of electron pairs about a • Pairs of electrons in the valence shell repel central atom A (without any lone pairs) and one another since their electron clouds are geometries of some molecules/ions of the type negatively charged. AB. Table 4.7 (page 115) shows shapes of some simple molecules and ions in which the central• These pairs of electrons tend to occupy atom has one or more lone pairs. Table 4.8 such positions in space that minimise (page 116) explains the reasons for the repulsion and thus maximise distance distortions in the geometry of the molecule. between them. As depicted in Table 4.6, in the• The valence shell is taken as a sphere compounds of AB2, AB3, AB4, AB5 and AB6, with the electron pairs localising on the the arrangement of electron pairs and the spherical surface at maximum distance B atoms around the central atom A are : from one another. linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, • A multiple bond is treated as if it is a single trigonal-bipyramidal and octahedral, electron pair and the two or three electron respectively. Such arrangement can be seen pairs of a multiple bond are treated as a in the molecules like BF3 (AB3), CH4 (AB4) and single super pair. PCl5 (AB5) as depicted below by their ball and • Where two or more resonance structures stick models. can represent a molecule, the VSEPR model is applicable to any such structure. The repulsive interaction of electron pairs decrease in the order: Lone pair (lp) – Lone pair (lp) > Lone pair (lp) – Bond pair (bp) > Bond pair (bp) – Bond pair (bp) Fig. 4.6 The shapes of molecules in which central atom has no lone pair Nyholm and Gillespie (1957) refined the VSEPR model by explaining the important The VSEPR Theory is able to predict difference between the lone pairs and bonding geometry of a large number of molecules, pairs of electrons. While the lone pairs are especially the compounds of p-block elements localised on the central atom, each bonded accurately. It is also quite successful in pair is shared between two atoms. As a result, determining the geometry quite-accurately the lone pair electrons in a molecule occupy even when the energy difference between more space as compared to the bonding pairs possible structures is very small. The of electrons. This results in greater repulsion theoretical basis of the VSEPR theory regarding between lone pairs of electrons as compared the effects of electron pair repulsions on to the lone pair - bond pair and bond pair - molecular shapes is not clear and continues bond pair repulsions. These repulsion effects to be a subject of doubt and discussion. Reprint 2025-26 114 chemistry Table 4.6 Geometry of Molecules in which the Central Atom has No Lone Pair of Electrons Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 115 Table 4.7 Shape (geometry) of Some Simple Molecules/Ions with Central Ions having One or More Lone Pairs of Electrons(E). Reprint 2025-26 116 chemistry Table 4.8 Shapes of Molecules containing Bond Pair and Lone Pair Molecule No. of No. of Arrangement Shape Reason for the type bonding lone of electrons shape acquired pairs pairs AB2E 4 1 Bent Theoretically the shape should have been triangular planar but actually it is found to be bent or v-shaped. The reason being the lone pair- bond pair repulsion is much more as compared to the bond pair-bond pair repulsion. So the angle is reduced to 119.5° from 120°. AB3E 3 1 Trigonal Had there been a bp in place of lp the shape would have pyramidal been tetrahedral but one lone pair is present and due to the repulsion between lp-bp (which is more than bp-bp repulsion) the angle between bond pairs is reduced to 107° from 109.5°. Bent The shape should have been AB2E2 2 2 tetrahedral if there were all bp but two lp are present so the shape is distorted tetrahedral or angular. The reason is lp-lp repulsion is more than lp-bp repulsion which is more than bp-bp repulsion. Thus, the angle is reduced to 104.5° from 109.5°. AB4E 4 1 See- In (a) the lp is present at axial saw position so there are three lp—bp repulsions at 90°. In(b) the lp is in an equatorial position, and there are two lp—bp repulsions. Hence, arrangement (b) is more stable. The shape shown in (b) is described as a distorted tetrahedron, a folded square (More stable) or a see-saw. Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 117 Molecule No. of No. of Arrangement Shape Reason for the type bonding lone of electrons shape acquired pairs pairs AB3E2 3 2 T-shape In (a) the lp are at equatorial position so there are less lp- bp repulsions as compared to others in which the lp are at axial positions. So structure (a) is most stable. (T-shaped).

4.5 Valence Bond Theory of the valence bond theory is based on the knowledge of atomic orbitals, electronicAs we know that Lewis approach helps in configurations of elements (Units 2), thewriting the structure of molecules but it overlap criteria of atomic orbitals, thefails to explain the formation of chemical hybridization of atomic orbitals and thebond. It also does not give any reason for the principles of variation and superposition. Adifference in bond dissociation enthalpies and rigorous treatment of the VB theory in termsbond lengths in molecules like H2 (435.8 kJ of these aspects is beyond the scope of this mol-1, 74 pm) and F2 (155 kJ mol-1, 144 pm), book. Therefore, for the sake of convenience,although in both the cases a single covalent valence bond theory has been discussed in bond is formed by the sharing of an electron terms of qualitative and non-mathematical pair between the respective atoms. It also treatment only. To start with, let us consider gives no idea about the shapes of polyatomic the formation of hydrogen molecule which is molecules. the simplest of all molecules. Similarly the VSEPR theory gives the Consider two hydrogen atoms A and B geometry of simple molecules but theoretically, approaching each other having nuclei NA it does not explain them and also it has limited and NB and electrons present in them are applications. To overcome these limitations represented by eA and eB. When the two atoms the two important theories based on quantum are at large distance from each other, there mechanical principles are introduced. These is no interaction between them. As these two are valence bond (VB) theory and molecular atoms approach each other, new attractive orbital (MO) theory. and repulsive forces begin to operate. Valence bond theory was introduced Attractive forces arise between: by Heitler and London (1927) and developed (i) nucleus of one atom and its own electron further by Pauling and others. A discussion that is NA – eA and NB– eB. Reprint 2025-26 118 chemistry (ii) nucleus of one atom and electron of together to form a stable molecule having the other atom i.e., NA– eB, NB– eA. bond length of 74 pm. Similarly repulsive forces arise between Since the energy gets released when the bond is formed between two hydrogen atoms,(i) electrons of two atoms like eA – eB, the hydrogen molecule is more stable than (ii) nuclei of two atoms NA – NB. that of isolated hydrogen atoms. The energy Attractive forces tend to bring the two so released is called as bond enthalpy, which atoms close to each other whereas repulsive is corresponding to minimum in the curve forces tend to push them apart (Fig. 4.7). depicted in Fig. 4.8. Conversely, 435.8 kJ of energy is required to dissociate one mole of H2 molecule. H2(g) + 435.8 kJ mol–1 → H(g) + H(g) Fig. 4.8 The potential energy curve for the formation of H2 molecule as a function of internuclear distance of the H atoms. The minimum in the curve corresponds to the most stable state of H2. 4.5.1 Orbital Overlap Concept In the formation of hydrogen molecule, there is a minimum energy state when two hydrogen atoms are so near that their atomic orbitals undergo partial interpenetration. ThisFig. 4.7 Forces of attraction and repulsion partial merging of atomic orbitals is called during the formation of H2 molecule overlapping of atomic orbitals which results in Experimentally it has been found that the pairing of electrons. The extent of overlap the magnitude of new attractive force is decides the strength of a covalent bond. Inmore than the new repulsive forces. As a general, greater the overlap the stronger is theresult, two atoms approach each other and bond formed between two atoms. Therefore,potential energy decreases. Ultimately a stage is reached where the net force of attraction according to orbital overlap concept, the balances the force of repulsion and system formation of a covalent bond between two acquires minimum energy. At this stage atoms results by pairing of electrons present two hydrogen atoms are said to be bonded in the valence shell having opposite spins. Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 119 4.5.2 Directional Properties of Bonds As we have already seen, the covalent bond is formed by overlapping of atomic orbitals. The molecule of hydrogen is formed due to the overlap of 1s-orbitals of two H atoms. In case of polyatomic molecules like CH4, NH3 and H2O, the geometry of the molecules is also important in addition to the bond formation. For example why is it so that CH4 molecule has tetrahedral shape and HCH bond angles are 109.5°? Why is the shape of NH3 molecule pyramidal ? The valence bond theory explains the shape, the formation and directional properties of bonds in polyatomic molecules like CH4, NH3 and H2O, etc. in terms of overlap and hybridisation of atomic orbitals. 4.5.3 Overlapping of Atomic Orbitals When orbitals of two atoms come close to form bond, their overlap may be positive, negative or zero depending upon the sign (phase) and direction of orientation of amplitude of orbital wave function in space (Fig. 4.9). Positive and negative sign on boundary surface diagrams in the Fig. 4.9 show the sign (phase) of orbital wave function and are not related to charge. Fig.4.9 Positive, negative and zero overlaps ofOrbitals forming bond should have same sign s and p atomic orbitals(phase) and orientation in space. This is called positive overlap. Various overlaps of s and p hydrogen. The four atomic orbitals of carbon, orbitals are depicted in Fig. 4.9. each with an unpaired electron can overlap with the 1s orbitals of the four H atoms which The criterion of overlap, as the main factor are also singly occupied. This will result in the for the formation of covalent bonds applies formation of four C-H bonds. It will, however, uniformly to the homonuclear/heteronuclear be observed that while the three p orbitals of diatomic molecules and polyatomic molecules. carbon are at 90° to one another, the HCH We know that the shapes of CH4, NH3, and angle for these will also be 90°. That is three H2O molecules are tetrahedral, pyramidal C-H bonds will be oriented at 90° to one and bent respectively. It would be therefore another. The 2s orbital of carbon and the 1s interesting to use VB theory to find out if these orbital of H are spherically symmetrical and geometrical shapes can be explained in terms they can overlap in any direction. Therefore of the orbital overlaps. the direction of the fourth C-H bond cannot Let us first consider the CH4 (methane) be ascertained. This description does not fit molecule. The electronic configuration of in with the tetrahedral HCH angles of 109.5°. carbon in its ground state is [He]2s2 2p2 which Clearly, it follows that simple atomic orbital in the excited state becomes [He] 2s1 2px1 2py1 overlap does not account for the directional 2pz1. The energy required for this excitation is characteristics of bonds in CH4. Using similar compensated by the release of energy due to procedure and arguments, it can be seen that in overlap between the orbitals of carbon and the the case of NH3 and H2O molecules, the HNH Reprint 2025-26 120 chemistry and HOH angles should be 90°. This is in above and below the plane of the disagreement with the actual bond angles of participating atoms. 107° and 104.5° in the NH3 and H2O molecules respectively. 4.5.4 Types of Overlapping and Nature of Covalent Bonds The covalent bond may be classified into two types depending upon the types of overlapping: (i) Sigma(σ) bond, and (ii) pi(π) bond (i) Sigma(σ) bond : This type of covalent 4.5.5 Strength of Sigma and pi Bonds bond is formed by the end to end (head- Basically the strength of a bond depends on) overlap of bonding orbitals along the upon the extent of overlapping. In case of internuclear axis. This is called as head sigma bond, the overlapping of orbitals takes on overlap or axial overlap. This can be place to a larger extent. Hence, it is stronger formed by any one of the following types as compared to the pi bond where the extent of combinations of atomic orbitals. of overlapping occurs to a smaller extent. • s-s overlapping : In this case, there is Further, it is important to note that in the overlap of two half filled s-orbitals along formation of multiple bonds between two the internuclear axis as shown below : atoms of a molecule, pi bond(s) is formed in addition to a sigma bond. 4.6 Hybridisation In order to explain the characteristic geometrical shapes of polyatomic molecules • s-p overlapping: This type of overlap like CH4, NH3 and H2O etc., Pauling introduced occurs between half filled s-orbitals of one the concept of hybridisation. According to him atom and half filled p-orbitals of another the atomic orbitals combine to form new set of atom. equivalent orbitals known as hybrid orbitals. Unlike pure orbitals, the hybrid orbitals are used in bond formation. The phenomenon is known as hybridisation which can be defined as the process of intermixing of the orbitals of • p–p overlapping : This type of overlap slightly different energies so as to redistribute takes place between half filled p-orbitals their energies, resulting in the formation of of the two approaching atoms. new set of orbitals of equivalent energies and shape. For example when one 2s and three 2p-orbitals of carbon hybridise, there is the formation of four new sp3 hybrid orbitals. Salient features of hybridisation: The main (ii) pi( ) bond : In the formation of π bond features of hybridisation are as under : the atomic orbitals overlap in such a 1. The number of hybrid orbitals is equal to way that their axes remain parallel to the number of the atomic orbitals that get each other and perpendicular to the internuclear axis. The orbitals formed hybridised. due to sidewise overlapping consists 2. The hybridised orbitals are always of two saucer type charged clouds equivalent in energy and shape. Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 121 3. The hybrid orbitals are more effective in vacant 2p orbital to account for its bivalency. forming stable bonds than the pure atomic One 2s and one 2p-orbital gets hybridised to orbitals. form two sp hybridised orbitals. These two sp hybrid orbitals are oriented in opposite4. These hybrid orbitals are directed in direction forming an angle of 180°. Each of space in some preferred direction to have the sp hybridised orbital overlaps with the minimum repulsion between electron 2p-orbital of chlorine axially and form two Be- pairs and thus a stable arrangement. Cl sigma bonds. This is shown in Fig. 4.10. Therefore, the type of hybridisation indicates the geometry of the molecules. Important conditions for hybridisation (i) The orbitals present in the valence shell of the atom are hybridised. (ii) The orbitals undergoing hybridisation Be should have almost equal energy. (iii) Promotion of electron is not essential condition prior to hybridisation. (iv) It is not necessary that only half filled orbitals participate in hybridisation. In some cases, even filled orbitals of valence shell take part in hybridisation. Fig.4.10 (a) Formation of sp hybrids from s and 4.6.1 Types of Hybridisation p orbitals; (b) Formation of the linear There are various types of hybridisation BeCl2 molecule involving s, p and d orbitals. The different (II) sp2 hybridisation : In this hybridisationtypes of hybridisation are as under: there is involvement of one s and two (I) sp hybridisation: This type of hybridisation p-orbitals in order to form three equivalent involves the mixing of one s and one p orbital sp2 hybridised orbitals. For example, in resulting in the formation of two equivalent BCl3 molecule, the ground state electronicsp hybrid orbitals. The suitable orbitals for configuration of central boron atom is sp hybridisation are s and pz, if the hybrid 1s22s22p1. In the excited state, one of the 2s orbitals are to lie along the z-axis. Each sp electrons is promoted to vacant 2p orbital as hybrid orbitals has 50% s-character and 50% p-character. Such a molecule in which the central atom is sp-hybridised and linked directly to two other central atoms possesses linear geometry. This type of hybridisation is also known as diagonal hybridisation. The two sp hybrids point in the opposite direction along the z-axis with projecting positive lobes and very small negative lobes, which provides more effective overlapping resulting in the formation of stronger bonds. Example of molecule having sp hybridisation BeCl 2: The ground state electronic configuration of Be is 1s22s2. In the exited Fig.4.11 Formation of sp2 hybrids and the BCl3 state one of the 2s-electrons is promoted to molecule Reprint 2025-26 122 chemistry a result boron has three unpaired electrons. ground state is 2S 2 2 p 1x 2 p 1y 2 p 1z having threeThese three orbitals (one 2s and two 2p) unpaired electrons in the sp3 hybrid orbitalshybridise to form three sp2 hybrid orbitals. and a lone pair of electrons is present in theThe three hybrid orbitals so formed are fourth one. These three hybrid orbitals overlaporiented in a trigonal planar arrangement with 1s orbitals of hydrogen atoms to formand overlap with 2p orbitals of chlorine to three N–H sigma bonds. We know that the form three B-Cl bonds. Therefore, in BCl3 force of repulsion between a lone pair and a(Fig. 4.11), the geometry is trigonal planar bond pair is more than the force of repulsionwith ClBCl bond angle of 120°. between two bond pairs of electrons. The (III) sp 3 hybridisation: This type of molecule thus gets distorted and the bond hybridisation can be explained by taking the angle is reduced to 107° from 109.5°. The example of CH4 molecule in which there is geometry of such a molecule will be pyramidal mixing of one s-orbital and three p-orbitals as shown in Fig. 4.13. of the valence shell to form four sp3 hybrid orbital of equivalent energies and shape. There is 25% s-character and 75% p-character in each sp3 hybrid orbital. The four sp3 hybrid orbitals so formed are directed towards the four corners of the tetrahedron. The angle between sp3 hybrid orbital is 109.5° as shown in Fig. 4.12. Fig.4.13 Formation of NH3 molecule In case of H2O molecule, the four oxygen orbitals (one 2s and three 2p) undergo sp3 hybridisation forming four sp3 hybrid orbitals out of which two contain one electron each and the other two contain a pair of electrons. These σ four sp3 hybrid orbitals acquire a tetrahedral geometry, with two corners occupied by σ σ hydrogen atoms while the other two by the lone pairs. The bond angle in this case is reduced to 104.5° from 109.5° (Fig. 4.14) σ and the molecule thus acquires a V-shape or angular geometry. Fig.4.12 Formation of sp3 hybrids by the combination of s, px , py and pz atomic orbitals of carbon and the formation of CH4 molecule The structure of NH3 and H2O molecules can also be explained with the help of sp3 hybridisation. In NH3, the valence shell (outer) electronic configuration of nitrogen in the Fig.4.14 Formation of H2O molecule Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 123 4.6.2 Other Examples of sp3, sp2 and sp used for making sp2–s sigma bond with two Hybridisation hydrogen atoms. The unhybridised orbital (2px sp3 Hybridisation in C2H6 molecule: In or 2py) of one carbon atom overlaps sidewise ethane molecule both the carbon atoms with the similar orbital of the other carbon assume sp3 hybrid state. One of the four atom to form weak π bond, which consists of sp3 hybrid orbitals of carbon atom overlaps two equal electron clouds distributed above axially with similar orbitals of other atom to and below the plane of carbon and hydrogen form sp3-sp3 sigma bond while the other three atoms. hybrid orbitals of each carbon atom are used Thus, in ethene molecule, the carbon-in forming sp3–s sigma bonds with hydrogen carbon bond consists of one sp2–sp2 sigmaatoms as discussed in section 4.6.1(iii). bond and one pi (π ) bond between p orbitalsTherefore in ethane C–C bond length is 154 which are not used in the hybridisation andpm and each C–H bond length is 109 pm. are perpendicular to the plane of molecule; thesp2 Hybridisation in C2H4: In the formation bond length 134 pm. The C–H bond is sp2–sof ethene molecule, one of the sp2 hybrid sigma with bond length 108 pm. The H–C–Horbitals of carbon atom overlaps axially with bond angle is 117.6° while the H–C–C anglesp2 hybridised orbital of another carbon atom is 121°. The formation of sigma and pi bondsto form C–C sigma bond. While the other two sp2 hybrid orbitals of each carbon atom are in ethene is shown in Fig. 4.15. Fig. 4.15 Formation of sigma and pi bonds in ethene Reprint 2025-26 124 chemistry sp Hybridisation in C2H2 : In the formation 4.6.3 Hybridisation of Elements of ethyne molecule, both the carbon atoms involving d Orbitals undergo sp-hybridisation having two The elements present in the third period unhybridised orbital i.e., 2py and 2px. contain d orbitals in addition to s and p orbitals. The energy of the 3d orbitals are One sp hybrid orbital of one carbon atom comparable to the energy of the 3s and 3poverlaps axially with sp hybrid orbital of the orbitals. The energy of 3d orbitals are also other carbon atom to form C–C sigma bond, comparable to those of 4s and 4p orbitals. while the other hybridised orbital of each As a consequence the hybridisation involving carbon atom overlaps axially with the half either 3s, 3p and 3d or 3d, 4s and 4p is filled s orbital of hydrogen atoms forming possible. However, since the difference in σ bonds. Each of the two unhybridised p energies of 3p and 4s orbitals is significant, no orbitals of both the carbon atoms overlaps hybridisation involving 3p, 3d and 4s orbitals sidewise to form two π bonds between the is possible. carbon atoms. So the triple bond between the The important hybridisation schemes two carbon atoms is made up of one sigma involving s, p and d orbitals are summarised and two pi bonds as shown in Fig. 4.16. below: Shape of Hybridisation Atomic molecules/ Examples type orbitals ions Square dsp2 d+s+p(2) [Ni(CN)4]2–, planar [Pt(Cl)4]2– Trigonal sp3d s+p(3)+d PF5, PCl5 bipyramidal Square sp3d2 s+p(3)+d(2) BrF5 pyramidal Octahedral sp3d2 s+p(3)+d(2) SF6, [CrF6]3– d2sp3 d(2)+s+p(3) [Co(NH3)6]3+ (i) Formation of PCl5 (sp3d hybridisation): The ground state and the excited state outer electronic configurations of phosphorus (Z=15) are represented below. Fig.4.16 Formation of sigma and pi bonds in sp3d hybrid orbitals filled by electron pairs ethyne donated by five Cl atoms. Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 125 Now the five orbitals (i.e., one s, three six sp3d2 hybrid orbitals overlap with singly p and one d orbitals) are available for occupied orbitals of fluorine atoms to form hybridisation to yield a set of five sp3d hybrid six S–F sigma bonds. Thus SF6 molecule has orbitals which are directed towards the five a regular octahedral geometry as shown in corners of a trigonal bipyramidal as depicted Fig. 4.18. in the Fig. 4.17. sp3d2 hybridisation Fig. 4.17 Trigonal bipyramidal geometry of PCl5 molecule It should be noted that all the bond angles in trigonal bipyramidal geometry are not equivalent. In PCl5 the five sp3d orbitals of phosphorus overlap with the singly occupied p orbitals of chlorine atoms to form five P–Cl sigma bonds. Three P–Cl bond lie in one plane and make an angle of 120° with each other; these bonds are termed as equatorial Fig. 4.18 Octahedral geometry of SF6 moleculebonds. The remaining two P–Cl bonds–one lying above and the other lying below the equatorial plane, make an angle of 90° with 4.7 Molecular Orbital Theory the plane. These bonds are called axial bonds. Molecular orbital (MO) theory was developed As the axial bond pairs suffer more repulsive by F. Hund and R.S. Mulliken in 1932. The interaction from the equatorial bond pairs, salient features of this theory are : therefore axial bonds have been found to (i) The electrons in a molecule are present be slightly longer and hence slightly weaker in the various molecular orbitals as the than the equatorial bonds; which makes PCl5 electrons of atoms are present in the molecule more reactive. various atomic orbitals. (ii) Formation of SF6 (sp3d2 hybridisation): (ii) The atomic orbitals of comparableIn SF6 the central sulphur atom has the energies and proper symmetry combineground state outer electronic configuration to form molecular orbitals.3s23p4. In the exited state the available six orbitals i.e., one s, three p and two d are (iii) While an electron in an atomic orbital singly occupied by electrons. These orbitals is influenced by one nucleus, in a hybridise to form six new sp3d2 hybrid molecular orbital it is influenced by orbitals, which are projected towards the six two or more nuclei depending upon the corners of a regular octahedron in SF6. These number of atoms in the molecule. Thus, Reprint 2025-26 126 chemistry an atomic orbital is monocentric while ψA and ψB. Mathematically, the formation of a molecular orbital is polycentric. molecular orbitals may be described by the linear combination of atomic orbitals that can(iv) The number of molecular orbital formed take place by addition and by subtraction of is equal to the number of combining wave functions of individual atomic orbitals atomic orbitals. When two atomic as shown below : orbitals combine, two molecular orbitals are formed. One is known as bonding ψMO = ψA + ψB molecular orbital while the other is Therefore, the two molecular orbitals called antibonding molecular orbital. σ and σ* are formed as : (v) The bonding molecular orbital has σ = ψA + ψB lower energy and hence greater stability σ* = ψA – ψB than the corresponding antibonding The molecular orbital σ formed by the molecular orbital. addition of atomic orbitals is called the bonding (vi) Just as the electron probability molecular orbital while the molecular orbital distribution around a nucleus in an σ* formed by the subtraction of atomic orbital atom is given by an atomic orbital, the is called antibonding molecular orbital as electron probability distribution around depicted in Fig. 4.19. a group of nuclei in a molecule is given by a molecular orbital. (vii) The molecular orbitals like atomic orbitals are filled in accordance with the aufbau principle obeying the Pauli’s exclusion principle and the Hund’s rule. 4.7.1 Formation of Molecular Orbitals Linear Combination of Atomic σ* = ψA – ψB Orbitals (LCAO) According to wave mechanics, the atomic ψA ψBorbitals can be expressed by wave functions (ψ ’s) which represent the amplitude of the σ = ψA + ψBelectron waves. These are obtained from the solution of Schrödinger wave equation. However, since it cannot be solved for any system containing more than one electron, molecular orbitals which are one electron wave functions for molecules are difficult Fig.4.19 Formation of bonding (σ) and antibonding (σ*) molecular orbitals by the linearto obtain directly from the solution of combination of atomic orbitals ψA andSchrödinger wave equation. To overcome this problem, an approximate method known ψB centered on two atoms A and B respectively.as linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) has been adopted. Qualitatively, the formation of molecular Let us apply this method to the orbitals can be understood in terms of the homonuclear diatomic hydrogen molecule. constructive or destructive interference of the Consider the hydrogen molecule consisting electron waves of the combining atoms. In the of two atoms A and B. Each hydrogen atom formation of bonding molecular orbital, the in the ground state has one electron in 1s two electron waves of the bonding atoms orbital. The atomic orbitals of these atoms reinforce each other due to constructive may be represented by the wave functions interference while in the formation of Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 127 antibonding molecular orbital, the electron as the molecular axis. It is important to note waves cancel each other due to destructive that atomic orbitals having same or nearly interference. As a result, the electron density in the same energy will not combine if they do a bonding molecular orbital is located between not have the same symmetry. For example, the nuclei of the bonded atoms because of 2pz orbital of one atom can combine with 2pz which the repulsion between the nuclei is very orbital of the other atom but not with the less while in case of an antibonding molecular 2px or 2py orbitals because of their different orbital, most of the electron density is located symmetries. away from the space between the nuclei. 3. The combining atomic orbitals must Infact, there is a nodal plane (on which the overlap to the maximum extent. Greater electron density is zero) between the nuclei the extent of overlap, the greater will be the and hence the repulsion between the nuclei is electron-density between the nuclei of a high. Electrons placed in a bonding molecular molecular orbital. orbital tend to hold the nuclei together and 4.7.3 Types of Molecular Orbitalsstabilise a molecule. Therefore, a bonding molecular orbital always possesses lower Molecular orbitals of diatomic molecules are energy than either of the atomic orbitals that designated as σ (sigma), π (pi), δ(delta), etc. have combined to form it. In contrast, the In this nomenclature, the sigma ( ) electrons placed in the antibonding molecular molecular orbitals are symmetrical around orbital destabilise the molecule. This is the bond-axis while pi ( ) molecular orbitals because the mutual repulsion of the electrons are not symmetrical. For example, the linear in this orbital is more than the attraction combination of 1s orbitals centered on two between the electrons and the nuclei, which nuclei produces two molecular orbitals which causes a net increase in energy. are symmetrical around the bond-axis. Such It may be noted that the energy of the molecular orbitals are of the σ type and are antibonding orbital is raised above the designated as σ1s and σ*1s [Fig. 4.20(a), page energy of the parent atomic orbitals that 124]. If internuclear axis is taken to be in have combined and the energy of the bonding the z-direction, it can be seen that a linear orbital has been lowered than the parent combination of 2pz- orbitals of two atoms orbitals. The total energy of two molecular also produces two sigma molecular orbitals orbitals, however, remains the same as that designated as 2pz and *2pz. [Fig. 4.20(b)] of two original atomic orbitals. Molecular orbitals obtained from 2px and 4.7.2 Conditions for the Combination of 2py orbitals are not symmetrical around the Atomic Orbitals bond axis because of the presence of positive lobes above and negative lobes below theThe linear combination of atomic orbitals to molecular plane. Such molecular orbitals,form molecular orbitals takes place only if the are labelled as π and =π* [Fig. 4.20(c)]. Afollowing conditions are satisfied: π bonding MO has larger electron density1. The combining atomic orbitals must above and below the inter-nuclear axis. Thehave the same or nearly the same energy. π* antibonding MO has a node between theThis means that 1s orbital can combine with nuclei.another 1s orbital but not with 2s orbital because the energy of 2s orbital is appreciably 4.7.4 Energy Level Diagram for Molecular higher than that of 1s orbital. This is not true Orbitals if the atoms are very different. We have seen that 1s atomic orbitals on two 2. The combining atomic orbitals must atoms form two molecular orbitals designated have the same symmetry about the as σ1s and σ*1s. In the same manner, the 2s molecular axis. By convention z-axis is taken and 2p atomic orbitals (eight atomic orbitals Reprint 2025-26 128 chemistry Fig. 4.20 Contours and energies of bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals formed through combinations of (a) 1s atomic orbitals; (b) 2pz atomic orbitals and (c) 2px atomic orbitals. on two atoms) give rise to the following eight The energy levels of these molecular molecular orbitals: orbitals have been determined experimentally from spectroscopic data for homonuclearAntibonding MOs σ∗2s σ∗2pz π∗2px π∗2py diatomic molecules of second row elements Bonding MOs σ2s σ2pz π2px π2py of the periodic table. The increasing order of Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 129 energies of various molecular orbitals for O2 The rules discussed above regarding the and F2 is given below: stability of the molecule can be restated in terms of bond order as follows: A positive bond1s <  ∗1s <  2s <  ∗2s < 2pz < (π 2px=π 2py) order (i.e., Nb > Na) means a stable molecule < (π ∗2px= π∗ 2py) <  ∗2pz while a negative (i.e., Nb<Na) or zero (i.e., However, this sequence of energy levels Nb = Na) bond order means an unstable of molecular orbitals is not correct for the molecule. remaining molecules Li2, Be2, B2, C2, N2. For Nature of the bond instance, it has been observed experimentally Integral bond order values of 1, 2 or 3 that for molecules such as B2, C2, N2, etc. correspond to single, double or triple bonds the increasing order of energies of various respectively as studied in the classical molecular orbitals is concept. 1s <  ∗1s < 2s <  ∗2s < (π 2 px = π 2 py) Bond-length < 2pz < (π ∗2px =π∗2py) <  ∗2pz The bond order between two atoms in a The important characteristic feature molecule may be taken as an approximate of this order is that the energy of 2pz measure of the bond length. The bond length molecular orbital is higher than that decreases as bond order increases. of 2px and 2py molecular orbitals. Magnetic nature 4.7.5 Electronic Configuration and If all the molecular orbitals in a molecule are Molecular Behaviour doubly occupied, the substance is diamagnetic (repelled by magnetic field). However if one orThe distribution of electrons among various more molecular orbitals are singly occupied itmolecular orbitals is called the electronic is paramagnetic (attracted by magnetic field),configuration of the molecule. From the e.g., O2 molecule.electronic configuration of the molecule, it is possible to get important information about 4.8 BONDING IN SOME HOMONUCLEAR the molecule as discussed below. DIATOMIC MOLECULES Stability of Molecules: If Nb is the number In this section we shall discuss bonding in of electrons occupying bonding orbitals and some homonuclear diatomic molecules. Na the number occupying the antibonding 1. Hydrogen molecule (H2 ): It is formed byorbitals, then the combination of two hydrogen atoms. Each (i) the molecule is stable if Nb is greater hydrogen atom has one electron in 1s orbital. than Na, and Therefore, in all there are two electrons in (ii) the molecule is unstable if Nb is less hydrogen molecule which are present in σ1s than Na. molecular orbital. So electronic configuration of hydrogen molecule is In (i) more bonding orbitals are occupied and so the bonding influence is stronger and a H2 : (σ1s)2 stable molecule results. In (ii) the antibonding The bond order of H2 molecule can be influence is stronger and therefore the calculated as given below: molecule is unstable. N b  N a 2  0 Bond order Bond order =   1 2 2 Bond order (b.o.) is defined as one half the This means that the two hydrogen atoms difference between the number of electrons are bonded together by a single covalent bond. present in the bonding and the antibonding The bond dissociation energy of hydrogen orbitals i.e., molecule has been found to be 438 kJ mol–1 and bond length equal to 74 pm. Since no Bond order (b.o.) = ½ (Nb–Na) Reprint 2025-26 130 chemistry unpaired electron is present in hydrogen vapour phase. It is important to note that molecule, therefore, it is diamagnetic. double bond in C2 consists of both pi bonds 2. Helium molecule (He2 ): The electronic because of the presence of four electrons in configuration of helium atom is 1s2. Each two pi molecular orbitals. In most of the other helium atom contains 2 electrons, therefore, molecules a double bond is made up of a in He2 molecule there would be 4 electrons. sigma bond and a pi bond. In a similar fashion the bonding in N2 molecule can be discussed.These electrons will be accommodated in σ1s and σ*1s molecular orbitals leading to 5. Oxygen molecule (O2 ): The electronic electronic configuration: configuration of oxygen atom is 1s2 2s2 2p4. Each oxygen atom has 8 electrons, hence, He2 : (σ1s)2 (σ*1s)2 in O2 molecule there are 16 electrons. The electronic configuration of O2 molecule, Bond order of He2 is ½(2 – 2) = 0 therefore, is He2 molecule is therefore unstable and does not exist. O2 : (1s)2 ( ∗1s)2 ( 2s)2 ( ∗ 2s)2 (2pz)2 Similarly, it can be shown that Be2 molecule (π2px2 ≡ π2py2) (π∗2p1x ≡ π ∗2py1) (σ1s)2 (σ*1s)2 (σ2s)2 (σ*2s)2 also does not exist. 3. Lithium molecule (Li2 ): The electronic O2 :configuration of lithium is 1s2, 2s1. There are six electrons in Li2. The electronic configuration of Li2 molecule, therefore, is From the electronic configuration of O2 molecule it is clear that ten electrons are Li2 : (σ1s)2 (σ*1s)2 (σ2s)2 present in bonding molecular orbitals and six The above configuration is also written electrons are present in antibonding molecular as KK(σ2s)2 where KK represents the closed orbitals. Its bond order, therefore, is K shell structure (σ1s)2 (σ*1s)2. From the electronic configuration of Li2 Bond order = [Nb – Na] = [10 – 6] =2 molecule it is clear that there are four electrons So in oxygen molecule, atoms are heldpresent in bonding molecular orbitals and two by a double bond. Moreover, it may be notedelectrons present in antibonding molecular that it contains two unpaired electrons inorbitals. Its bond order, therefore, is ½ (4 – π∗2px and π∗2py molecular orbitals, therefore,2) = 1. It means that Li2 molecule is stable and since it has no unpaired electrons it O2 molecule should be paramagnetic, a prediction that corresponds toshould be diamagnetic. Indeed diamagnetic experimental observation. In this way, theLi2 molecules are known to exist in the theory successfully explains the paramagneticvapour phase. nature of oxygen. 4. Carbon molecule (C2 ): The electronic Similarly, the electronic configurationsconfiguration of carbon is 1s2 2s2 2p2. There of other homonuclear diatomic molecules of [ ]are twelve electrons in C2. The electronic the second row of the periodic table can be configuration of C2 molecule, therefore, is written. In Fig. 4.21 are given the molecular C2 : (1s)2 ( ∗1s)2 ( ∗ 2s)2 (π2p2x = π2p2y) orbital occupancy and molecular properties for B2 through Ne2. The sequence of MOs and or KK (2s)2 ( ∗ 2s)2 (π2p2x = π2p2y) their electron population are shown. The bond energy, bond length, bond order, magnetic The bond order of C2 is ½ (8 – 4) = 2 properties and valence electron configurationand C2 should be diamagnetic. Diamagnetic appear below the orbital diagrams.C2 molecules have indeed been detected in Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 131 Fig. 4.21 MO occupancy and molecular properties for B2 through Ne2.

4.9 Hydrogen Bonding Hydrogen bond is represented by a dotted line (– – –) while a solid line represents theNitrogen, oxygen and fluorine are the highly covalent bond. Thus, hydrogen bond can beelectronegative elements. When they are attached to a hydrogen atom to form covalent defined as the attractive force which binds bond, the electrons of the covalent bond are hydrogen atom of one molecule with the shifted towards the more electronegative electronegative atom (F, O or N) of another atom. This partially positively charged molecule. hydrogen atom forms a bond with the other 4.9.1 Cause of Formation of Hydrogen more electronegative atom. This bond is Bond known as hydrogen bond and is weaker When hydrogen is bonded to stronglythan the covalent bond. For example, in HF electronegative element ‘X’, the electron pairmolecule, the hydrogen bond exists between shared between the two atoms moves farhydrogen atom of one molecule and fluorine away from hydrogen atom. As a result theatom of another molecule as depicted below : hydrogen atom becomes highly electropositive – – – Hδ+–Fδ– – – –Hδ+ – Fδ– – – – Hδ+ – Fδ– with respect to the other atom ‘X’. Since Here, hydrogen bond acts as a bridge between there is displacement of electrons towards two atoms which holds one atom by covalent X, the hydrogen acquires fractional positive bond and the other by hydrogen bond. charge (δ +) while ‘X’ attain fractional negative Reprint 2025-26 132 chemistry charge (δ–). This results in the formation of a H-bond in case of HF molecule, alcohol or polar molecule having electrostatic force of water molecules, etc. attraction which can be represented as: (2) Intramolecular hydrogen bond : It is formed when hydrogen atom is in between Hδ+ – Xδ– – – – Hδ+ – Xδ– – – – Hδ+ – Xδ– the two highly electronegative (F, O, N) The magnitude of H-bonding depends atoms present within the same molecule. For on the physical state of the compound. It is example, in o-nitrophenol the hydrogen is in maximum in the solid state and minimum in between the two oxygen atoms. the gaseous state. Thus, the hydrogen bonds have strong influence on the structure and properties of the compounds. 4.9.2 Types of H-Bonds There are two types of H-bonds (i) Intermolecular hydrogen bond (ii) Intramolecular hydrogen bond (1) Intermolecular hydrogen bond : It is formed between two different molecules of the Fig. 4.22 Intramolecular hydrogen bonding in same or different compounds. For example, o-nitrophenol molecule SUMMARY Kössel’s first insight into the mechanism of formation of electropositive and electronegative ions related the process to the attainment of noble gas configurations by the respective ions. Electrostatic attraction between ions is the cause for their stability. This gives the concept of electrovalency. The first description of covalent bonding was provided by Lewis in terms of the sharing of electron pairs between atoms and he related the process to the attainment of noble gas configurations by reacting atoms as a result of sharing of electrons. The Lewis dot symbols show the number of valence electrons of the atoms of a given element and Lewis dot structures show pictorial representations of bonding in molecules. An ionic compound is pictured as a three-dimensional aggregation of positive and negative ions in an ordered arrangement called the crystal lattice. In a crystalline solid there is a charge balance between the positive and negative ions. The crystal lattice is stabilized by the enthalpy of lattice formation. While a single covalent bond is formed by sharing of an electron pair between two atoms, multiple bonds result from the sharing of two or three electron pairs. Some bonded atoms have additional pairs of electrons not involved in bonding. These are called lone-pairs of electrons. A Lewis dot structure shows the arrangement of bonded pairs and lone pairs around each atom in a molecule. Important parameters, associated with chemical bonds, like: bond length, bond angle, bond enthalpy, bond order and bond polarity have significant effect on the properties of compounds. A number of molecules and polyatomic ions cannot be described accurately by a single Lewis structure and a number of descriptions (representations) based on the same skeletal structure are written and these taken together represent the molecule or ion. This is a very important and extremely useful concept called resonance. The contributing structures or canonical forms taken together constitute the resonance hybrid which represents the molecule or ion. Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 133 The VSEPR model used for predicting the geometrical shapes of molecules is based on the assumption that electron pairs repel each other and, therefore, tend to remain as far apart as possible. According to this model, molecular geometry is determined by repulsions between lone pairs and lone pairs; lone pairs and bonding pairs and bonding pairs and bonding pairs. The order of these repulsions being : lp-lp > lp-bp > bp-bp The valence bond (VB) approach to covalent bonding is basically concerned with the energetics of covalent bond formation about which the Lewis and VSEPR models are silent. Basically the VB theory discusses bond formation in terms of overlap of orbitals. For example the formation of the H2 molecule from two hydrogen atoms involves the overlap of the 1s orbitals of the two H atoms which are singly occupied. It is seen that the potential energy of the system gets lowered as the two H atoms come near to each other. At the equilibrium inter-nuclear distance (bond distance) the energy touches a minimum. Any attempt to bring the nuclei still closer results in a sudden increase in energy and consequent destabilization of the molecule. Because of orbital overlap the electron density between the nuclei increases which helps in bringing them closer. It is however seen that the actual bond enthalpy and bond length values are not obtained by overlap alone and other variables have to be taken into account. For explaining the characteristic shapes of polyatomic molecules Pauling introduced the concept of hybridisation of atomic orbitals. sp, sp2, sp3 hybridizations of atomic orbitals of Be, B, C, N and O are used to explain the formation and geometrical shapes of molecules like BeCl2, BCl3, CH4, NH3 and H2O. They also explain the formation of multiple bonds in molecules like C2H2 and C2H4. The molecular orbital (MO) theory describes bonding in terms of the combination and arrangment of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals that are associated with the molecule as a whole. The number of molecular orbitals are always equal to the number of atomic orbitals from which they are formed. Bonding molecular orbitals increase electron density between the nuclei and are lower in energy than the individual atomic orbitals. Antibonding molecular orbitals have a region of zero electron density between the nuclei and have more energy than the individual atomic orbitals. The electronic configuration of the molecules is written by filling electrons in the molecular orbitals in the order of increasing energy levels. As in the case of atoms, the Pauli exclusion principle and Hund’s rule are applicable for the filling of molecular orbitals. Molecules are said to be stable if the number of elctrons in bonding molecular orbitals is greater than that in antibonding molecular orbitals. Hydrogen bond is formed when a hydrogen atom finds itself between two highly electronegative atoms such as F, O and N. It may be intermolecular (existing between two or more molecules of the same or different substances) or intramolecular (present within the same molecule). Hydrogen bonds have a powerful effect on the structure and properties of many compounds. EXERCISES 4.1 Explain the formation of a chemical bond. 4.2 Write Lewis dot symbols for atoms of the following elements : Mg, Na, B, O, N, Br. 4.3 Write Lewis symbols for the following atoms and ions: S and S2–; Al and Al3+; H and H– 4.4 Draw the Lewis structures for the following molecules and ions : H2S, SiCl4, BeF2, CO32−, HCOOH 4.5 Define octet rule. Write its significance and limitations. Reprint 2025-26 134 chemistry 4.6 Write the favourable factors for the formation of ionic bond. 4.7 Discuss the shape of the following molecules using the VSEPR model: BeCl2, BCl3, SiCl4, AsF5, H2S, PH3 4.8 Although geometries of NH3 and H2O molecules are distorted tetrahedral, bond angle in water is less than that of ammonia. Discuss. 4.9 How do you express the bond strength in terms of bond order ? 4.10 Define the bond length. 4.11 Explain the important aspects of resonance with reference to the CO32− ion. 4.12 H3PO3 can be represented by structures 1 and 2 shown below. Can these two structures be taken as the canonical forms of the resonance hybrid representing H3PO3 ? If not, give reasons for the same. 4.13 Write the resonance structures for SO3, NO2 and NO3−. 4.14 Use Lewis symbols to show electron transfer between the following atoms to form cations and anions : (a) K and S (b) Ca and O (c) Al and N. 4.15 Although both CO2 and H2O are triatomic molecules, the shape of H2O molecule is bent while that of CO2 is linear. Explain this on the basis of dipole moment. 4.16 Write the significance/applications of dipole moment. 4.17 Define electronegativity. How does it differ from electron gain enthalpy ? 4.18 Explain with the help of suitable example polar covalent bond. 4.19 Arrange the bonds in order of increasing ionic character in the molecules: LiF, K2O, N2, SO2 and ClF3. 4.20 The skeletal structure of CH3COOH as shown below is correct, but some of the bonds are shown incorrectly. Write the correct Lewis structure for acetic acid. 4.21 Apart from tetrahedral geometry, another possible geometry for CH4 is square planar with the four H atoms at the corners of the square and the C atom at its centre. Explain why CH4 is not square planar ? 4.22 Explain why BeH2 molecule has a zero dipole moment although the Be–H bonds are polar. 4.23 Which out of NH3 and NF3 has higher dipole moment and why ? 4.24 What is meant by hybridisation of atomic orbitals? Describe the shapes of sp, sp2, sp3 hybrid orbitals. 4.25 Describe the change in hybridisation (if any) of the Al atom in the following reaction. AlCl 3  Cl   AlCl 4 Reprint 2025-26 Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure 135 4.26 Is there any change in the hybridisation of B and N atoms as a result of the following reaction? 4.27 Draw diagrams showing the formation of a double bond and a triple bond between carbon atoms in C2H4 and C2H2 molecules. 4.28 What is the total number of sigma and pi bonds in the following molecules? (a) C2H2 (b) C2H4 4.29 Considering x-axis as the internuclear axis which out of the following will not form a sigma bond and why? (a) 1s and 1s (b) 1s and 2px; (c) 2py and 2py (d) 1s and 2s. 4.30 Which hybrid orbitals are used by carbon atoms in the following molecules? CH3–CH3; (b) CH3–CH=CH2; (c) CH3-CH2-OH; (d) CH3-CHO (e) CH3COOH 4.31 What do you understand by bond pairs and lone pairs of electrons? Illustrate by giving one exmaple of each type. 4.32 Distinguish between a sigma and a pi bond. 4.33 Explain the formation of H2 molecule on the basis of valence bond theory. 4.34 Write the important conditions required for the linear combination of atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals. 4.35 Use molecular orbital theory to explain why the Be2 molecule does not exist. 4.36 Compare the relative stability of the following species and indicate their magnetic properties; (superoxide), O22− (peroxide) 4.37 Write the significance of a plus and a minus sign shown in representing the orbitals. 4.38 Describe the hybridisation in case of PCl5. Why are the axial bonds longer as compared to equatorial bonds? 4.39 Define hydrogen bond. Is it weaker or stronger than the van der Waals forces? 4.40 What is meant by the term bond order? Calculate the bond order of : N2, O2, O2+ and O2–. Reprint 2025-26 Unit 5 Thermodynamics It is the only physical theory of universal content concerning which I am convinced that, within the framework of the applicability of its basic concepts, it will never be overthrown. After studying this Unit, you will be Albert Einstein able to • explain the terms : system and surroundings; • discriminate between close, open and isolated systems; Chemical energy stored by molecules can be released as• explain internal energy, work and heat; heat during chemical reactions when a fuel like methane, • state first law of thermodynamics cooking gas or coal burns in air. The chemical energy may and express it mathematically; also be used to do mechanical work when a fuel burns • calculate energy changes as in an engine or to provide electrical energy through a work and heat contributions in galvanic cell like dry cell. Thus, various forms of energy chemical systems; are interrelated and under certain conditions, these may • explain state functions: U, H. be transformed from one form into another. The study • correlate ∆U and ∆H; of these energy transformations forms the subject matter • measure experimentally ∆U and of thermodynamics. The laws of thermodynamics deal ∆H; with energy changes of macroscopic systems involving• define standard states for ∆H; • calculate enthalpy changes for a large number of molecules rather than microscopic various types of reactions; systems containing a few molecules. Thermodynamics is • state and apply Hess’s law of not concerned about how and at what rate these energy constant heat summation; transformations are carried out, but is based on initial and • differentiate between extensive final states of a system undergoing the change. Laws of and intensive properties; thermodynamics apply only when a system is in equilibrium • define spontaneous and non- or moves from one equilibrium state to another equilibrium spontaneous processes; state. Macroscopic properties like pressure and temperature• e x p l a i n e n t r o p y a s a thermodynamic state function do not change with time for a system in equilibrium state. and apply it for spontaneity; In this unit, we would like to answer some of the important • explain Gibbs energy change (∆G); questions through thermodynamics, like: and How do we determine the energy changes involved in a • establish relationship between chemical reaction/process? Will it occur or not? ∆G and spontaneity, ∆G and equilibrium constant. What drives a chemical reaction/process? To what extent do the chemical reactions proceed? Reprint 2025-26 THERMODYNAMICS 137