Chapter 13, Problem 29E

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The electron-pair geometry for carbon atom in $\text{HCN}$ is to be explained and the Lewis diagram for the molecule is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

The electron pairs in Lewis diagrams repel each other in real molecule and thus they distribute themselves in positions around the central atoms which are far away from one another. This arrangement of electron pairs is called electron-pair geometry. The electron pairs may be shared in covalent bond, or they may be lone pairs.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The molecular geometry predicted by the valence shell electron-pair repulsion theory for the carbon atom in the molecule $\text{HCN}$ is to be explained and the Lewis diagram for the molecule is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

Molecular geometry is the precise term that is used to describe the shape of molecules and arrangement of atoms around the central atom. The molecular geometry of a molecule is predicted by valence shell electron-pair repulsion theory or in short VSEPR theory. VSEPR theory applies to substances in which a second period element is bonded to two, three, four, or other atoms.