VBT theory predict Hybridization OR derive Hybridization from VSEPR theory VBT explains bonding with respect to VSEPR - it didn't expect Hybridization H2O SP3 due to vespr not vbt expect second why there is no Hybridization in HF for VBT explaination ?

1 Answer
Dec 12, 2017

Here's my answer to what I think you are asking.

Explanation:

Valence bond theory

Valence Bond (VB) theory is based on valence electrons. We use it it help determine the structure of a molecule.

We start with the Lewis structure of a molecule and then explain the formation of bonds by the overlap of atomic orbitals.

If our use of simple atomic orbitals does not explain the observed shape of a molecule, we then resort to the concept of hybridized atomic orbitals.

VB theory and HF

The Lewis structure of HF is

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The electron configuration of H is 1s, and the valence electron configuration of F is [He] 2s22p2x2p2y2pz.

Thus, we explain the H-F bond formation by the overlap of the hydrogen 1s orbital with the half-filled fluorine 2p orbital to form a σ bond.

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Since there are only two atoms, the molecule is linear, and we don't have to use hybridization to explain its shape.

VB theory and H2O

The Lewis structure of H2O is

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The valence electron configuration of O is [He] 2s22p2x2py2pz.

Thus, we could explain the OH bond formation by the overlap of the hydrogen 1s orbital with the half-filled oxygen 2p orbitals to form two σ bonds.

The problem is that this predicts the H-O-H bond angle to be 90°, and the observed bond angle is 104.5 °.

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VSEPR theory gives a better prediction of the bond angle.

The four electron pairs repel each other to the four corners of a tetrahedron, for which the theoretical bond angle is 109.5°.

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The four hybridized sp3 orbitals also predict a bond angle of 109.5°.

We explain the 5° difference from theoretical as resulting from repulsion by the lone pair electrons.