Chemical Bonds

i. Typical bonding patterns

-​
C 4 - bonds (few exceptions CO, CN​ )
Si Same as C
N 3 – bonds ( 4 as cation forms)
O 2 – bonds (few exceptions)
H 1 – bond (NO EXCEPTIONS)
Halogens 1 – bond only as peripheral atoms (NO EXCEPTIONS)

IV. Outline for molecular dot structures

a. Count available electrons (valence electrons, adjust for ions)
b. Choose a central atom (most bonds, single atom, least electronegative)
c. Place all other atoms around the central atom, connect with a single bond, 2 – electrons
d. Complete the noble gas configuration on the peripheral atoms
e. Subtract the electrons used from the electrons available, place any additional electrons on the
central atom.
f. Borrow as needed to complete the central atom.
EXAMPLES
Ammonia
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Formaldehyde
Methane
Boron trifluoride
Nitrogen monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Hydrogen cyanide
Chlorite – chlorate series
Sulfite
Sulfate
Phosphate
Nitrate

V. Predicting molecular shapes

Generic example lone pair on central elec. Geometry shape bond angle
AX H​2​, HF 0 linear linear
AX​2 CO​2 0 linear linear 180​o
AX​3 BF​3​, CH​2​O 0 trig. Planar linear 120
AX​4 CH​4 0 tetrahedral tetrahedral 109.5
AX​3​E NH​3 1 tetrahedral trigonal pyr. < 109.5
AX​2​E SO​2​, O​3 1 trig. Planar bent 120
AX​2​E​2 H​2​O 2 tetrahedral bent < 109.5