Chapter 3, Problem 3.48P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

All non-hydrogen atoms that are required to be in the same plane for Adenine are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

According to the VSEPR theory, if an atom is surrounded by three electron groups, either three bonds or two bonds and one lone pair, then the geometry of such an atom is trigonal planar, and thus, it must be ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridized. When two atoms are connected by a double bond, those atoms, and any atoms to which they are directly bonded, prefer to lie in the same plane. In order to maintain this planar geometry, the atoms that are directly bonded to these doubly bonded atoms must lie in the same plane.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

All non-hydrogen atoms that are required to be in the same plane for Cytosine are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

According to the VSEPR theory, if an atom is surrounded by three electron groups, either three bonds or two bonds and one lone pair, then the geometry of such an atom is trigonal planar, and thus, it must be ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridized. When two atoms are connected by a double bond, those atoms, and any atoms to which they are directly bonded, prefer to lie in the same plane. In order to maintain this planar geometry, the atoms that are directly bonded to these doubly bonded atoms must lie in the same plane.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

All non-hydrogen atoms that are required to be in the same plane for Guanine are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

According to the VSEPR theory, if an atom is surrounded by three electron groups, either three bonds or two bonds and one lone pair, then the geometry of such an atom is trigonal planar, and thus, it must be ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridized. When two atoms are connected by a double bond, those atoms, and any atoms to which they are directly bonded, prefer to lie in the same plane. In order to maintain this planar geometry, the atoms that are directly bonded to these doubly bonded atoms must lie in the same plane.

Interpretation Introduction

(d)

Interpretation:

All non-hydrogen atoms that are required to be in the same plane for Thymine are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

According to the VSEPR theory, if an atom is surrounded by three electron groups, either three bonds or two bonds and one lone pair, then the geometry of such an atom is trigonal planar, and thus, it must be ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridized. When two atoms are connected by a double bond, those atoms, and any atoms to which they are directly bonded, prefer to lie in the same plane. In order to maintain this planar geometry, the atoms that are directly bonded to these doubly bonded atoms must lie in the same plane.