Chapter 10, Problem 10.68QE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The hybrid orbital on nitrogen atom and the central oxygen atom has to be given in nitrous acid.

Concept Introduction:

Lewis structure is used for predicting the shape of molecules.  From the steric number obtained in a Lewis structure, the molecular geometry can be predicted.  VSEPR model can predict the shape of molecules considering their Lewis structure.  Certain rules has to be followed in for the VSEPR model.

• The molecule will have a shape where there is minimal electrostatic repulsion between the valence‑shell electron pairs.
• The forces of repulsion between two lone pairs of electrons will be higher than the repulsion between lone pair and bond pair of electrons.  This in turn will be higher than the bond pair‑bond pair of electrons.

The hybridized orbitals and the steric number can be related as shown below;

Steric number	Hybridized orbital
2	$sp$
3	$s{p}^2$
4	$s{p}^3$
5	$s{p}^{3}d$