In what way (s) is (are) the structure of water similar to that of CHCl3? In what way is the structure of water different from that of CHCl3?

Question

Marina Hancock

Chemistry

24 January, 09:39

In what way (s) is (are) the structure of water similar to that of CHCl3? In what way is the structure of water different from that of CHCl3?

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Answers (1)

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Edith · Answer 1

See explanation below

Explanation:

In both cases the central atoms, C in CHCl₃ and O in H₂O, are sp³ hybridized.

Since they are sp³ hybridized we predict an angle between the H-C-Cl and H-O-H of 109.5 º (tetrahedral), but two of the sp³ orbitals in water are occupied by lone pairs.

These lone pairs do excercise more repulsion (need more room) than the bonds oxygen is making with hydrogen.

As a consequence of this repulsion the angles H-O-H are less than the predicted 109.5º in tetrahedra. (Actually is 104.5 º)