Bent molecular geometry
Encyclopedia
In chemistry
, the term "bent" can be applied to certain molecule
s to describe their molecular geometry
. H2O is an example of a bent molecule. The bond angle between the two hydrogen atoms is approximately 104.45°. Nonlinear triatomic molecules and ions are common for compounds containing only main group elements, prominent examples being nitrogen dioxide
, SCl2
, and the CH2
. This geometry is almost always consistent with VSEPR theory
.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, the term "bent" can be applied to certain molecule
Molecule
A molecule is an electrically neutral group of at least two atoms held together by covalent chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by their electrical charge...
s to describe their molecular geometry
Molecular geometry
Molecular geometry or molecular structure is the three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms that constitute a molecule. It determines several properties of a substance including its reactivity, polarity, phase of matter, color, magnetism, and biological activity.- Molecular geometry determination...
. H2O is an example of a bent molecule. The bond angle between the two hydrogen atoms is approximately 104.45°. Nonlinear triatomic molecules and ions are common for compounds containing only main group elements, prominent examples being nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is the chemical compound with the formula it is one of several nitrogen oxides. is an intermediate in the industrial synthesis of nitric acid, millions of tons of which are produced each year. This reddish-brown toxic gas has a characteristic sharp, biting odor and is a prominent...
, SCl2
Sulfur dichloride
Sulfur dichloride is the chemical compound with the formula SCl2. This cherry-red liquid is the simplest sulfur chloride and one of the most common. It is used as a precursor to organosulfur compounds.-Chlorination of sulfur:...
, and the CH2
Carbene
In chemistry, a carbene is a molecule containing a neutral carbon atom with a valence of two and two unshared valence electrons. The general formula is RR'C:, but the carbon can instead be double-bonded to one group. The term "carbene" may also merely refer to the compound H2C:, also called...
. This geometry is almost always consistent with VSEPR theory
VSEPR theory
Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory is a model in chemistry used to predict the shape of individual molecules based upon the extent of electron-pair electrostatic repulsion. It is also named Gillespie–Nyholm theory after its two main developers...
.