Question

Following molecules made of 'A' and 'x' have sp3 hybridization of the atom 'A'. If 'E' stands for lone pair, in which case bond angle is minimum
1)AX3E
2)AX4
3)AX2E2
4)Equal in three cases​

Answer 1

Answer:

AX₂E₂ has the minimum bond angle in SP³ hybridized molecules

Explanation:

The valence bond theory predicts tetrahedral geometry for SP³ hybridized molecules. In AX₄, all SP³ orbitals are involved in bonding with X. Thus shape of the molecule will be tetrahedron and the bond angle will be 109°.

AX₃E has 3 bonds and one pair of non-bonding electrons. Due to repulsion, the bond angle reduces to 107° and the geometry is pyramidal.

AX₂E₂ has two pairs of unshared electrons occupying orbitals. The repulsion between lone pairs is greater than that of bonding electrons.

the bond angle is 104.5°.

In summary, the Bond angle reduces as the repulsion between electrons increases.

Order of repulsion ⇒ lone pair-lone pair > bond pair- lone pair > bond pair-bond pair