What is the hybridization of the central atom in NOCl? Hybridization- What are the approximate bond angles in this Bond angles substance
The correct answer and explanation is :
Hybridization of the Central Atom in NOCl and Bond Angles
The hybridization of the central atom (N) in NOCl is sp².
Step-by-Step Explanation:
- Determine the Central Atom:
- In NOCl (Nitrosyl chloride), Nitrogen (N) is the central atom since Oxygen (O) and Chlorine (Cl) are more electronegative.
- Count the Valence Electrons:
- Nitrogen (N): 5 valence electrons
- Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons
- Chlorine (Cl): 7 valence electrons
- Total valence electrons = 5 + 6 + 7 = 18 electrons
- Lewis Structure and Lone Pairs:
- Nitrogen forms a double bond with Oxygen and a single bond with Chlorine.
- Nitrogen has one lone pair of electrons.
- Steric Number Calculation:
- Steric number = Number of bonded atoms + Number of lone pairs.
- Nitrogen is bonded to two atoms (O and Cl) and has one lone pair.
- Steric number = 3 → Corresponds to sp² hybridization.
- Bond Angles:
- In sp² hybridization, the ideal bond angle is 120°.
- However, due to lone pair repulsion, the actual bond angle is slightly less than 120°.
Final Answer:
- Hybridization of N in NOCl = sp²
- Bond angles ≈ 115° – 120° (due to lone pair repulsion)
Molecular Geometry:
- The shape of NOCl is bent (angular) because of the lone pair on nitrogen.
Now, I will generate an image illustrating the hybridization, Lewis structure, and bond angles of NOCl.
Here is the molecular structure diagram of Nitrosyl Chloride (NOCl) showing its sp² hybridization, bond angles (~120°), and lone pairs.