A stable triatomic molecule can be formed that containsone atom each of nitrogen, sulfur, and fluorine. Threebonding structures are possible, depending on which is thecentral atom: NSF, SNF, and SFN.(a) Write a Lewis diagram for each of these molecules,indicating the formal charge on each atom.(b) Often, the structure with the least separation of formal charge is the most stable. Is this statement consistent with the observed structure for this molecule—namely, NSF, which has a central sulfur atom?(c) Does consideration of the electronegativities of N, S,and F from Figure 3.18 help rationalize this observedstructure? Explain.
Formal Charges
Formal charges have an important role in organic chemistry since this concept helps us to know whether an atom in a molecule is neutral/bears a positive or negative charge. Even if some molecules are neutral, the atoms within that molecule need not be neutral atoms.
Polarity Of Water
In simple chemical terms, polarity refers to the separation of charges in a chemical species leading into formation of two polar ends which are positively charged end and negatively charged end. Polarity in any molecule occurs due to the differences in the electronegativities of the bonded atoms. Water, as we all know has two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. As oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen thus, there exists polarity in the bonds which is why water is known as a polar solvent.
Valence Bond Theory Vbt
Valence bond theory (VBT) in simple terms explains how individual atomic orbitals with an unpaired electron each, come close to each other and overlap to form a molecular orbital giving a covalent bond. It gives a quantum mechanical approach to the formation of covalent bonds with the help of wavefunctions using attractive and repulsive energies when two atoms are brought from infinity to their internuclear distance.
A stable triatomic molecule can be formed that contains
one atom each of nitrogen, sulfur, and fluorine. Three
bonding structures are possible, depending on which is the
central atom: NSF, SNF, and SFN.
(a) Write a Lewis diagram for each of these molecules,
indicating the formal charge on each atom.
(b) Often, the structure with the least separation of formal charge is the most stable. Is this statement consistent with the observed structure for this molecule—
namely, NSF, which has a central sulfur atom?
(c) Does consideration of the electronegativities of N, S,
and F from Figure 3.18 help rationalize this observed
structure? Explain.
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