Question

The angle between two covalent bonds is minimum in : a. CH4 b.C2H2, c. NH3, d. H2O​

Answer 1

But H2O has 2 lone pairs, due to repulsion the bond would decrease. Therefore bond angle is minimum in H2O.

Answer 2

The compound with the minimum angle between two covalent bonds is H₂O.

• The carbon in methane, CH₄, is $sp^{3}$ hybridized and the molecule has a tetrahedral structure with a bond angle of 109.5°.
• In acetylene, C₂H₂, the carbon is $sp$ hybridized and the molecule has a linear structure with a 180° bond angle.
• Ammonia, NH₃, has a tetrahedral structure with a bond angle of 107° due to the presence of lone pair of electrons.
• Water, H₂O, has a bent structure with a bond angle of 104.5° due to the presence of two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom.
• Hence, option d is correct.