Why is bond angle in OF2 is smaller than bond angle in H2O?

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Elaina Harper

Chemistry

19 August, 15:22

Why is bond angle in OF2 is smaller than bond angle in H2O?

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Sissy · Answer 1

The bond angle of OF2 is 103 degrees while water is 104 degrees. This small difference is due to the electronegativity of the atoms involved in the substances. F is more electronegative than H, the electrons in the O-F bond spend more time away from the O (and close to the F) than the electrons in the O-H bond.